A swingers’ club has been given permission to extend its opening hours after members complained they could not find babysitters at the weekends.
The Purple Mamba in West Bridgford, which describes itself as “the Midlands’ most intimate, exclusive private club for liberated adults”, applied to Rushcliffe borough council for permission to open during the week after members said they could not find childcare on Friday and Saturday nights.
The local authority granted temporary permission for the club to open from 8pm to 2am Monday to Saturday, and 4pm to 10pm on Sundays and bank holidays, for 12 months, despite complaints that the existence of the club posed a threat to “vulnerable young people”.
Amanda Carroll, who runs the club with Christopher Mould, told the Nottingham Post that the club and its members – who must be over the age of 21 to join – were causing no harm. She said reports of problems in the surrounding area were not being caused by the “middle-aged couples” who visit the club.
“I would say to them (those who are complaining): come down and have a coffee with us. It is a social club and it is just for adults. We have decided to extend our hours because the club is very popular,” she said.
“We have over 500 members and 2,000 people on the website. We have to turn people away. Not everyone can get babysitters at the weekend so that is why we also want to open in the week.”
Councillor Liz Plant, who is the local Labour spokesperson for children and young people’s services, wrote to the planning committee to oppose the club’s application. “I think the nature of the activities taking place in the club might be a safeguarding issue to young and possibly vulnerable young people,” she said. “I also have health and safety concerns regarding activities taking place in the club.”
Rushcliffe borough council said it had had complaints from seven residents over the proposals, with concerns including potential difficulty in finding future buyers and tenants for flats.
A spokesperson for the council said the extended opening hours were subject to conditions, including a ban on the use of outdoor areas and ensuring that doors and windows are kept shut if amplified music is played.
