TOUGHER restrictions for strip clubs will be decided on by Hillingdon Council in July.

The Policing and Crime Act 2009 gives local authorities powers to refuse new licenses based on the number of sex entertainment venues already in the area.

The Council would be able to prevent venues opening near churches, places of worship, schools and unsuitable locations at their discretion.

Lap-dancing clubs are reclassified under this.

A Council Cabinet meeting set a provisional go-ahead on April 6. Pastor John at Hillingdon Pentecostal Church, Kingston Lane, said he doesn’t see much around in Uxbridge High Street and Hayes.

He said: “There is no doubt we definitely want the Council to have powers to stop more opening near churches and other places.”

The Cabinet meeting report states that the inability to regulate could see the number of establishments rise.

Hillingdon borough had the fourth highest number of strip clubs in London in November 2010.

John Randall, MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, said: “I don’t encourage more of these venues because I don’t want Hillingdon to have seedy reputation.

“There have only been two strip clubs that have caused any problems, De Burgh Arms and Spearmint Rhino.”

De Burgh Arms was on Station Road, West Drayton, and the proximity to the railway station and number of people walking past caused concern.

Spearmint Rhino has been closed.