NEWPORT council set special rules to stop table dancing on christian holy days - but it forgot about Good Friday.

Members of St Mary's Catholic Church, Stow Hill, are upset that table dancing at the Baltica club could clash with Good Friday.

The club occupies the historic Westgate Hotel, on Commercial Street, but is also next door to the church's social club.

Baltica asked the council licensing board for permission to host erotic dancers.

Churchgoers called on licensing officials to set rules preventing table dancing sessions from clashing with Easter or Christmas services. The council agreed a string of rules with Baltica, preventing dancing on Sundays, Christmas Eve and the Saturday prior to Easter Day. But it forgot to mention Good Friday.

Councillor Peter Davies, the licensing committee member and Stow Hill ward councillor, declared an interest in the matter, and spoke from the public gallery to put the church's point of view, then left the meeting before a vote.

He said yesterday: "This is a total howler. They've made a mistake and it might be too late to correct it.

"I'm appalled that they will be allowed to dance on Good Friday. It's one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar."

Father John Kelly, of St Mary's Presbytery, said: "We asked for the three days of Easter to be respected. For some reason Good Friday has been missed out. It's very sad. The process isn't finished yet and we will make further representations."

Councillor Allan Morris, chairman of licensing, said: "We are aware of the problem and are trying to correct it. I suggest Baltica will be very sensitive to their application."

St Mary's Parish Advisory Council said erotic dancing would "lower the tone" of Newport, and provide "yet another opportunity for binge drinking". In a statement to the council it added: "Lapdancing clubs offend human dignity and are a degrading form of exploitation."

The rules of the licence - granted for six months - also ban touching between customers and dancers. Posters deemed offensive by the council must not be used, and dancing can only take place after 10pm. The planning committee now have to take a decision on the changes before dancing can go ahead.

Baltica told the Argus it will not comment until the council has reached a final decision.