LICENSING bosses have launched a probe into claims Blackburn's lap-dancing club has removed its CCTV camera system.

Staff from Blackburn with Darwen Council swooped on The Velvet Lounge, in Duke Street, last week after a tip-off it was breaking operating conditions.

The licence for the venue was only granted on condition cameras be installed outside, as well as better-quality lighting to protect people walking nearby.

Councillors and police had been worried that without the extra security, women working at the club could be put at risk.

And if the council can prove the allegations, it may go to court and have its licence revoked.

It comes just a fortnight after the venue, which opened last summer, won a legal battle to allow dancers to remove their G-strings. Solicitors representing the company persuaded magistrates to allow the change as the restriction was not in its licence conditions.

A spokesman for the council said: "The licensing section received a complaint concerning the Velvet Lounge. Officers have visited the premises for the purpose of undertaking an inspection.

"As of today, all investigations concerning the accuracy of that complaint are ongoing."

A meeting is expected with the venue's management this week.

The Blackburn lap-dancing club has caused controversy ever since it was first suggested more than two years ago.

Moral campaigners, backed by the Church of England, argued it degraded women - while health bosses feared male visitors would be more likely to commit sex attacks.

Nobody at the Velvet Lounge, including manager Georgia Elliott, could be contacted for comment.