A NORTH-eAST town yesterday bolstered its reputation as the region's sex shop capital.

Darlington borough council agreed that a fourth licensed sex shop can open in the town, despite a campaign by a rival store to have the application thrown out.

Cherry Pie, in King Street, which opened on May 12, will now be able to expand its fledgling operations to sell 18-rated DVDs.

Loading article content

The shop currently sells a costumes, lingerie and novelty items but applied for a licence to sell the DVDs.

They will be sold in a separate area above the store.

Bosses at rival Adults Only, in Grange Road, had paid for an advertisement in The Northern Echo and handed out leaflets to businesses and town shoppers, asking people to object to the application.

The shop also had graffiti daubed on its walls saying: "Get out, ya not wanted."

Its application was heard by Darlington Borough Council's licensing committee yesterday.

Owner Jez Grant said: "We are trying to create an adult superstore. We have been doing a lot of research in the last few years into this type of store.

"We feel the seedy side street sex shop won't work. We want a 21st century sex shop that is open to everyone. It is easy and fun, vibrant and fresh."

Shareholder Zena Simpson said: "We have had no objections from members of the public in Darlington, which I believe speaks for itself."

Terry Hamer, a solicitor acting on behalf of Adults Only, said: "My client feels very strongly that the reality is his livelihood is being threatened by people who see Darlington as a soft touch to getting a sex shop."

He also claimed the shop was already selling some items which required a licence.

Council workers made an unannounced visit to Cherry Pie, when they found a small amount of such items.

Following the decision, Ms Simpson said: "I am so excited. We will be able to provide the customers everything they want."

Mr Hamer said: "We are disappointed but, given the apathy by the Darlington public, it is not surprising."