PROTESTERS have emerged triumphant from a battle to stop Repent nightclub becoming a lap dancing bar.

Cheshire East Council refused to give the owners Roy and Laura Hatton-Garside permission to turn the Mill Street premises into an adult venue during a Licensing Committee meeting on Thursday (January 7).

The application to change the licence met with strong opposition from residents and businesses and culminated in a silent protest outside the Town Hall on the day council bosses were due to make their decision.

Speaking at the meeting Repent spokeswoman Lola Kenzie assured the committee they would adhere to the strict conditions recommended by the police.

But after more than three hours of deliberation, the Licensing Committee agreed that the application failed to meet the four requirements under the 2003 Licensing Act.

Campaigning mum-of-four Margaret Charlton said she was pleased the application was refused.

Margaret, of Oxford Road, said: "I do feel like we've been listened to.

"I'm absolutely thrilled that we have got a good result.

Roy Hatton-Garside, owner of Repent, refused to comment.