AN outraged community is fighting to stop a lap dancing club opening opposite a primary school.

Residents have reacted angrily to plans to turn the former Anchor pub in Star Lane, Canning Town, into an adult entertainment venue opening from midday to 2.30am the following day.

The venue is opposite Star Primary School and head teacher Marion Rosen has written to parents to ask for their support in fighting the application.

She wrote: "We are seriously concerned about the impact such an establishment will have on the local community and especially on safeguarding the children."

The application has been made by Klub Klass, which is based in Woodford Road, Forest Gate, and was registered on May 11. The address is also home to Strong Investments Ltd, which owned the building when a compulsory purchase order was issued in 2003.

Newham council said the building had been vacant for more than three years. Informal action to bring it back into use had been unsuccessful and the owners failed to agree a course of action to bring it back into use.

The building has since been secured and there were plans to lease it to a housing association, but it has remained empty.

Josephine Phillips, who lives nearby, was shocked to find the application notice placed on the building and fears a lap-dancing club would have a disastrous effect on the community.

She said: "We will do all we can to fight this. We have been knocking on doors throughout the area with a petition and lots of people have given us their support.

"People are surprised and concerned that this kind of place could open on our doorstep. A new nursery has just been set up and there is a primary school nearby.

"The hours they have applied for mean there could be customers coming and going while children are about.

"Originally, I understand an application wasmade to turn it into accommodation for students but it never happened. I think they did not have any intention of doing that and were waiting for the licensing laws to change.

"The building should be used for something the whole community can benefit from, not just a few people from outside the area. I think the place will bring in crime, anti-social behaviour and who knows what else.

"I have written to our local councillors and I hope they support us in opposing this application."

The Guardian, sister newspaper of This Is Local London, was unable to contact Klub Klass at the time of going to press.