A BOURNEMOUTH hotelier has warned that the number of pole dancing clubs in the resort has reached "saturation point" following the opening of Richard Carr's Wiggle Supper Rooms.

Jackie Edwards, a Bournemouth Area Hospitality Association committee member, said: "What Wiggle is going to do is attract even more stag parties to come to town.

"It is disappointing that Richard Carr has decided to feature pole dancing in his new restaurant. What's really needed is good entertainment for a range of age groups."

Referring to Landmarc, a live entertainment venue and restaurant at the former St Andrew's Church in Exeter Road, she said: "Landmarc's success shows there is a gap in the market. We need more venues in town catering for the 20 to 50 or 60 year group. I think it is a pity Mr Carr hasn't gone down that road.

"There are too few places to go for a drink where the music is not intrusive. Surely there are enough table dancing clubs and we have reached saturation point?"

Jackie added: "Even my 19-year-old daughter says many of the pubs in Bournemouth are too noisy for her to have a chat with her friends.

"I'm always hearing from guests and other people who go out in town that there is nowhere for them to go and have a nice relaxed drink without music blasting out.

"Pubs and hotels are suffering because of the lack of choice. People are only booking into hotels at weekends, sometimes only on Saturday nights, which isn't enough to keep businesses ticking over. They simply can't survive."

An investigation has been launched by Bournemouth council to ascertain whether Mr Carr is in breach of Wiggle planning conditions.