A CONTROVERSIAL lap dancing club will open its doors for the first time tomorrow.

iCandy, will be launched in Accrington town centre despite opposition from residents and recruitment agencies, a lack of dancers and a 1,500-signature petition against the club.

The manager of the club, which will open in Blackburn Road following a ribbon ceremony, said staff were hoping to put the recent set-backs behind them ‘by concentrating on providing a top class professional service’.

Kate Hartley, a 45-year-old grandma, said: “We are really excited the opening date has finally arrived. A lot of hard work has gone into getting to this stage.

“We will be running a staff training evening tonight ahead of the big night. We are still looking out for dancers. We have not been able to find as many ladies as we would of liked simply because they have not met our high standards.

“We are aware a lot of people are against us but we are hoping for best.”