THE team behind Dewsbury's new lap dancing club has hit back at critics who say it could turn the town into a magnet for the sex industry.

When Forbidden won its licence in September, MP Shahid Malik warned the club could damage the town's reputation.

But licensee Neil Wood said he deserves the chance to prove he can run a responsible and safe venue.

"The main goal is to have a successful business and to hopefully change people's opinions," he said.

"I know people have reservations and believe trouble is going to be brought and that's not the case. We've worked very closely with licensing and police. We've done everything by the book."

He said it was unfair of Mr Malik to target a legal business when there were already illegal brothels and massage parlours in the town.

"I think Mr Malik needs to concentrate on those illegal industries," he said.

The club in Bradford Road is due to open tomorrow but Mr Malik will speak to the council and police about stopping the club but realised it would be difficult while it had a licence.

Around 300 people signed a petition started by his office, Dewsbury Chamber of Trade and Dewsbury Means Business objecting to Forbidden.

Chamber of Trade president Trish Makepeace said: "We still feel it's the wrong sort of image at this time in Dewsbury. It's like a slap in the face for the town."

But Forbidden promotions manager Jason Armitage said: "We've had a lot of positive interest."

He said the impact on people who live nearby would be kept to a minimum.

Janice Trotter, who lives near the club, said: "We are feeling anxious about it.

"We'll just have to wait and see what it turns out like."