Plans to add some extra spice to a former curry house in Frome have angered people in the town.

Over the past few months there has been speculation about the future use of what used to be the Indian restaurant Balti Delight, on the Bridge.

Back in May, the Somerset Standard revealed that owner Abdul Rahim, known locally as Mikey, was planning to turn it into a private members' club with lap dancing nights once or twice a month.

Now Mr Rahim has submitted the licence application asking for permission to serve alcohol until 1.30am seven nights a week, play both live and recorded music, host lap dancing and strip nights and show adult films.

This has prompted dozens of residents and organisations to write to Mendip District Council, which will decide whether or not to issue the licence, to voice their concerns.

One of the organisations that has commented on the application is the Blue House.

Chairman of its trustees Brenda Hinton said she was very concerned that the establishment may attract unsuitable people to the area.

She added: "I have submitted a comment to the board saying I was concerned about the fact that it is to stay open until 2am, and what the noise impact would have on the sheltered housing residents.

"I also feel it is not in keeping with the area."

Another resident who is not happy about the application is Dan Lupton, who lives in Willow Vale.

He said: "I think the location is inappropriate for a drinking club.

"There were bad traffic problems when it was a restaurant; it's a busy pavement on a busy road, lots of people will cause havoc.

"And the whole lap dancing element will affect the whole character of the town."

Frome's Mayor, Cllr Damon Hooton, who is also chairman of the Frome Town Council planning board, said the board felt compelled to make a comment to the licensing authority after residents contacted the council with concerns.

He said: "There is no demonstrable need for a private members' club of the type proposed in Frome.

"We consider that this type of establishment in the centre of Frome would detract from the town centre and would be likely to have an adverse impact of properties near to it.

"It is considered that the application should be refused and that the property should be marketed as a restaurant which, as we have stated in our response to planning application for change of use, there is a shortage of in the centre of Frome."

When contacted, Mr Rahim said that at the moment, the club would be a drinking establishment only, and added he didn't wish to make any further comment.

Mendip's licensing committee will discuss the application on Thursday, July 16, at 10am at Mendip District Council's offices in Shepton Mallet.