UTTER shock greeted the news that Alfie Blu's cafe in Burnham could become a blue bar with "occasional topless staff and strippers".

Town councillors were surprised to hear that an application has been made to the district council to vary the premises' licence to serve alcohol, have occasional night entertainment, theatrical events and live music.

The applicant is youth worker Harris Beaumont, of Walsall in the Midlands.

The application hasn't come directly from the cafe.

The town council scrutinised the plans and did not back them.

Town councillor Eric Gill, who is also a district councillor, said: "I am so shocked and utterly amazed such an inappropriate application can be put forward."

Fellow town and district councillor Neville Jones added: "Having occasional night events until something like 3am does not suit the building that is in such a prominent place."

Town clerk Eileen Shaw was keen to stress that topless bar staff was just part of the application.

The Bridgwater and Burnham Times took to the streets and asked residents their opinions.

Reaction was mixed, with one man, who did not wish to be named, saying: "This better be a joke, Alfie Blu's cannot be a place that provides such things, it's wrong and would sully our town's name."

Another said: "This is probably not as bad as people think.

"It's probably asking for one topless night a year, a special occasion, and if it boosts business and the local economy it must be good."

The district council will make a final decision in the near future.

Anyone wishing to comment can contact Sedgemoor until August 10.