A nightclub boss has hit back at critics who think Harrogate's latest sexy shows are out of keeping with the town's genteel spa image.

Introduction of Full Monty type strip shows for female audiences has brought a sharp rebuke from the town's Civic Society.

Their protests over saucy male striptease shows come hot on the heels of another night spot which introduced lap dancing amid a storm of protests.

But David Hutchinson, marketing manager at the newly-established Applause night club at the junction of Cheltenham Parade and Station Parade, defended the initiative, saying there was already a demand for the new shows.

"My answer to people who are getting all wound up about this is to take a look at what is going on around here at other towns," said Mr Hutchinson.

"I just think people are over-reacting to this," added Mr Hutchinson, who has announced that ladies' nights will be held each month following their successful debut. Chairman of the town's Civic Society, Lilian Mina, commented: "Whatever next? Our members have already expressed concern about this type of entertainment. We held a reception only recently and people were wondering what on earth Harrogate was coming to."

The society says because clubs have entertainment licences, little can be done to control what is provided for clubbers.

"I think the law should be changed so that there is some local control over what actually happens inside the premises," Lilian Mina added.

Updated: 10:58 Tuesday, January 16, 2001