Some see them as a bit of harmless fun for groups of lads to enjoy on nights out or stag weekends.

Others think they offer a tawdry form of entertainment that should be viewed in the same way as peep shows and sex cinemas.

As we say, everyone has an opinion.

So, with that being the case, it seems more than a little strange that current legislation prevents people from expressing those opinions.

At the moment lap dancing clubs are classed as cafés for the purposes of licensing regulations.

That means they avoid the stipulations that are applied to other parts of the sex industry.

And, crucially, those who have something to say about the opening of such a club have no more say in the matter than they would if it were a coffee shop.

Even if a lap dancing venue were to open next door to us we would have few grounds on which to object.

Campaigners are right to argue that one-size-fits-all licensing doesn't work for lap dancing clubs.

The law should be changed.

Opinions on lap dancing are always going to be split.

But whatever your view, you should have the right to voice it.

Time for play

NO doubt a new play area for youngsters in Leeds was cause for celebration when it was unveiled five years ago.

But when the school which owned the playing fields on which it was sited shut last year, the playground in Meanwood was suddenly off limits too.

That's a disgrace when families living nearby are desperate for their children to have somewhere to play.

The council insists it backs our 'Let Us Play' campaign which calls for play areas in walking distance of every home in Leeds.

So why on earth is a multi-use games area that cost £130,000 being allowed to go to rack and ruin as we move into the summer holidays?

Leeds lags behind other areas when it comes to its number of play areas and needs every one it can get.

Let's open this one up and let the youngsters enjoy it.

Stepping in

THE Great Yorkshire Show had a VIP visitor yesterday.

The Queen braved the mud as she visited the event to mark its 150th anniversary.

Undaunted by the boggy conditions, Her Majesty shunned wellies to step out in her trademark patent shoes.

Sorry we couldn't give you the best of Yorkshire weather, Ma'am.

But we're glad you got to see the best of Yorkshire tradition.