A CONSERVATIVE club has come under fire for planning a ‘Gentlemen’s Evening’ featuring strippers.

Horwich Conservative Club, in Church Street, has been criticised for advertising the £15-a-ticket night, which is set to take place on October 28.

A poster in the window states that the club is ‘proud’ to present an evening featuring ‘a comedian, strippers, waitresses and food’.

A Conservative party spokesman said that Conservative clubs are ‘independent of the party’ — but the poster does include the official party logo.

On a facebook page, the club described the event as being ‘a night of fun and laughter’ featuring ‘cheeky ladies and good food’.

And according to interaction from the club’s Twitter account, those attending will not be allowed to touch any of the performers during the event.

Labour councillor for Horwich and Blackrod, Stephen Pickup, has attacked the proposed event.

He said: “I am frankly quite shocked that a Horwich club associated with the political party whose elected representatives form the serving national Government is seemingly advertising such an event. 

“I am sure that the vast majority of local residents would join me in condemning this event and would call on the club to withdraw this planned night of entertainment from its schedule.”

Labour MP for Bolton North East, David Crausby added: “I am not a prude, but it does seem a bit old fashioned.

“I know the Conservative party has a difficult time changing with the times, but it needs to come into the 21st century and the club needs to find a different way of making money.”

Conservative Councillor Bob Allen, who until recently sat on Horwich Town Council admitted that the event was ‘a bit inappropriate.’

He said: “It’s a difficult one, because you do see a lot of ladies nights taking place at venues, with similar things going on.

“But I would probably have to say this isn’t really appropriate in this day and age at any venue, especially not at a Conservative club — although I don’t think it’s a major offence.”

In the pub next door to the club — the Bridge Inn — the views on the proposed event were more mixed.

Landlady Karen Gee said: “I think as long as it has been clearly advertised and people know what they are going to see if they go in, then it isn’t really a problem.

“Anyone going along can come in here for a pint before if they like.”

Punter Chris Taylor added: “I do think it is a little bit odd, it is not what you imagine takes place at a Conservative Club — but I don’t really disapprove of it.”

No one at the club was available for comment but posters in the window indicated that a similar event may have been held recently.

A poster for a Ladies Night event on September 30 also purported to include the use of strippers and said a ‘drag artist’ was also due to be involved.

According to the club’s website, the venue has recently changed management, with Simon Denton taking over as club steward.