POLICE have raised “serious concerns” over plans for a new strip club in Southampton – which could stay open as late as 6am.

The former Kelly’s Bar on London Road could be turned into a strip club.

The site would be called Black Diamond and might be open until 6am every day with alcohol served until 5am.

That has raised concern among police bosses, who have raised concerns about a possible increase in anti-social behaviour.

Police say there have already been 20 incidents of anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of the proposed strip bar between July 2018 and July 2019.

These include 13 assaults, four thefts, one anti-social behaviour order, one criminal damage offence and one sex incident.

While Hampshire Police did not object to plans to open the nightclub, in an official document they said: "It is the increase in opening times and the additional hours for the supply of alcohol that give the Chief Officer of Police cause for serious concern."

In the document, Hampshire Police also said: “The later a licensed premises operates, the more anti-social behaviour and crime and disorder occurs. More alcohol is consumed, inhibitions are lowered and bravado is increased.”

Police officers also suggested that a body worn camera and ID scanning should be considered if permission is granted.

They said: “It is with this in mind, suspecting we could in fact actually be discussing a nightclub that consideration would need to be made for conditions to support such a venue including, but not exhaustive body worn video (BWV) and ID scanning.”

More than 10 residents have also objected to the plans.

Local resident Denis Bundy said: “We firmly believe that this would lead to increased disorder which is already happening in London Road. There is also great potential for a public nuisance as a result of such opening hours.”

“We have continuous disturbance especially on Friday and Saturday plus any special nights of which there are several during the year.”

Residents also raised concerns about the potential noise coming from the club.

Lorraine Barter who lives nearby said: “There’s no sleep gap – at least there would be a couple of hours sleep if it closed earlier.” The slamming of taxi doors, people going to their cars, and people leaving and talking to security would be heard.”

As previously reported, the plans were branded as “sexist” and a “thing of the past” by Councillor Satvir Kaur.

Councillor Dave Shields, Cabinet Member for Healthier and Safer City, said: “I share the local police’s concern about the lateness of the proposed licensing hours which would not be conducive to the general public’s safety.”

Applicants Southampton Nightclubs Limited were unable to provide a comment before the Echo went to press.