THE owner of Blackburn's first lap-dancing bar today offered to show critics around her new venue in a bid to prove it will boost, not detract, from town centre regeneration.

Councillors gave their backing to Georgia Elliott's plans to turn the former Cubes nightclub, in Duke Street, into a lap-dancing bar in May -- despite objections from health and police bosses.

Concern had also been expressed by some councillors about the effect the venue could have on the image of the town centre, which the council are currently trying to pull upmarket.

But Miss Elliott, who also runs the Fuel bar in Duke Street, said people have nothing to worry about -- claiming it will help bring in visitors.

She now plans to open the doors of her new venue at the end of the month.

She said: "The council has already shown forward thinking in attracting an entertainment complex which includes a bowling alley, cinema and new eateries. Now they have given us permission to create The Velvet Lounge.

"There are many other towns and cities that have bowling alleys, cinemas, eateries and lap-dancing venues and surely all these are needed in our town too in the hope that more custom will come.

"I appreciate that some people bewildered by our venue opening and are saying it will degrade women and the town. My intention is not to do this, it is merely to give the community more choice in entertainment.

"I do intend to have male lap-dancers on separate nights too.

"We live in a democracy and this is what we all love about our country -- our right to choose."

The transformation of Cubes, which was painted red, into the Velvet Lounge, which will be black, has cost £400,000 and includes a complete refit on the inside.

CCTV has been installed inside and outside the venue. A bar area will be at the front of the venue with a private VIP area at the back where the dancing will take place. No pictures of naked women will be allowed outside the venue.

Miss Elliott added: "Blackburn is a fantastic town and I am very pleased, as a local, to be able to open my first venue here.

"I would like to invite anyone who is still not convinced this is a respectable establishment to visit and I will give them a personal tour myself and answer any concerns they may have."