SAUCY shoppers will be able to buy x-rated Christmas gifts on a Sunday now Worcester's sex shop has been given the go-ahead to open.

Darker Enterprises Ltd asked the city council's licensing committee to allow it to keep The Private Shop's doors open until 8pm from Monday to Saturday, December 23.

Its proposal also included an application for the Lowesmoor business to open on Sunday, December 17.

And despite calls that churchgoers would be offended, the shop was given the green light.

Councillor Paul Denham told councillors he was strongly opposed to the shop opening on the Sunday.

He said the committee had to consider the sensitivities of people who used Sunday as a day to worship at churches in the area. St George's RC Church was nearby, he said.

"I do object to it when people are coming in and out of the shop on a Sunday when at the same time people are using a nearby church," he said.

"People using the church won't be used to seeing people coming in and out of the shop. We must bear in mind the sensitivity of people worshipping nearby."

Ex-mayor Mary Drinkwater echoed Coun Denham's views.

But Coun Ray Turner said there was no reason to object because the shop was discreet.

"You cannot have morality one day but not on the other," he said.

"It's not right to say it's OK for the shop to open on Saturday but not on Sunday.

"It is discreet and doesn't have windows open so that people walking by can see what's going on inside."

Committee chairman Stephen Inman said he believed most people did not notice the shop.

"And while I respect those people who go to church, there are services held during the week when the shop is trading," he added.

n Do you think that a sex shop should be open for custom as people are going to church? Or does it really matter in this day and age? We want to hear your view. Write to You Say, Evening News, Hylton Road, Worcester WR2 5JX.

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