COUNCIL chiefs were “powerless” to take action over the opening of a Huddersfield swingers’ club.
Clr Peter McBride, who is in joint control of regeneration, environment and transport on the council’s cabinet, said he was deeply concerned they had no control over the situation.
As reported yesterday, the Green Cross Hotel pub, on Old Wakefield Road, in Moldgreen, has been turned into A and G private members’ club.
Clr McBride, who is also a councillor for the Dalton ward that covers Moldgreen, said he hoped a change in the law would give councils more control.
He said: “Unfortunately, the Licensing Act 2003 makes no provision whatsoever regarding so-called swingers’ clubs and, as a local councillor, I am deeply concerned that we are powerless to deal with this situation.
“Legislation may change as a bill is currently going through parliament in relation to ‘sex encounter establishments.’
“At Kirklees we will explore every opportunity the new legislation provides and we will also monitor this particular establishment very closely.”
Concern has been expressed by some businesses in Moldgreen about A and G, which is close to Moldgreen J and I School.
But the owners say it is a discreet venue for consenting adults to enjoy themselves.
