TOPLESS dancing events can no longer be held in Basingstoke after bosses at a town centre bar failed to renew its licence.

Drake's, in London Street, had been staging the x-rated entertainment since February after Basingstoke council agreed to change the venue's public entertainment licence.

However, in order for the adult entertainment to continue, the bar needed to apply to renew its licence by the end of May. Basingstoke council has this week confirmed that no application has been received and Drake's Bar is now not licensed for any type of public entertainment.

Basingstoke MP Andrew Hunter and the Basingstoke branch of the Salvation Army were among those to express concerns about topless dancing in the town.

The Basingstoke Extra reported in March that the Salvation Army had sent out petitions against topless dancing to churches around the town centre, as well as nearby areas, such as Brighton Hill and South Ham, for people to sign.

Major Elaine Smith, from Basingstoke Salvation Army, described the fact that no application had been received as "good news".

She said: "We are very pleased and feel that public opinion has been listened to and members of the public have been taken notice of.

"We did have a great response with the petitions coming back, and half of the churches in the area took part. I think it helped to bring it out in the open and make people realise they are not on their own.

"The churches gave a voice to everybody who felt the same."

She added: "For local residents, it will be a better atmosphere and a better feeling about the place."

If the bar's bosses wish to continue any form of public entertainment, including topless dancing, the council says a new application will need to be made and this would be considered within the normal procedures.

Cllr Rob Donnelly, leader of Basingstoke council, said: "My reaction is first to say that the council has dealt with them in the same way we deal with everybody else, and that is with all due care."

Of the licence, he said: "It has now lapsed, which gives the opportunity for councillors to think again.

"It is public knowledge that I was not in favour to begin with."

He added: "If they choose to reapply, it will come back before us again and we will wait to see how councillors react if there is a new application."

The bar's management was not available for comment at the time of going to press.