ANGRY residents are unable to protest about a naturist spa in Baldock getting an alcohol licence as it has been granted without a hearing. Due to the police and fire service withdrawing their opposition, the licence has been granted automatically. Locals

ANGRY residents are unable to protest about a naturist spa in Baldock getting an alcohol licence as it has been granted without a hearing.

Due to the police and fire service withdrawing their opposition, the licence has been granted automatically.

Locals were told they had not lodged a complaint in time for the licence and appeals committee meeting organised for today (January 18), which has now been cancelled.

The Maltings Spa in Hitchin Street caused uproar in the town after being exposed as the home of Suburban Swingers UK when the alcohol licence application was opposed.

The Comet revealed statements from a police representation form regarding wife swapping, swinging and orgies at the spa which police believed would attract men on stag nights and pub crawls, increasing the risk of crime.

Sgt Clive Reader has since withdrawn the objection.

He said: "Following negotiations with the Maltings Spa's solicitors regarding their alcohol licence application, police will not be objecting to the licence."

Andrew Pickering, headteacher at Knights Templar School which is directly opposite the spa, contacted the council licensing office and was furious that the school would not be represented at the meeting.

He said: "We regard the siting of such activity right opposite the school as singularly inappropriate.