FEMALE strippers will be part of the entertainment at a Taunton pub, if controversial plans by an entertainment promoter get the go ahead.

Doug 'Tank' James is looking to stage the weekly strip shows at the Rockers Live pub in Bridge Street, and is now seeking permission from licensing chiefs.

Mr James, who ran controversial strip shows at the adjoining pub, The Cider Press, last year says he is confident the venture will go ahead.

"It's adult entertainment," he said. "He who doesn't want to see doesn't have to look.

"We are running the shows on Mondays, when things are quiet. There will be a comedian and two women strippers. I'm providing London entertainment at Taunton prices -- £5."

Mr James, who stages live music three nights a week, said the audience would sit around a stage, with door staff ensuring things remained under control.

He said the Cider Press strip shows were halted when he left after the previous owners went into liquidation.

But the move has angered a number of people including the Preb Peter Bannister, Vicar of St James, which includes Bridge Street, and there is also concern about the image sex shows would give Taunton.

Mr Bannister said: "I'm disappointed he's coming back to do this. It's in the centre of town, fairly close to schools. I'm worried at the kind of people it will attract.

"I'm concerned about the presentation of sex simply as entertainment and titillation rather than a God-given purpose."

For the full story, see this week's Somerset County Gazette.