A SHOP owner has replied to a councillor's criticism of his plans to open an 'alternative' shop.

Mark Davis plans to open his shop, Dominion, on Tuesday in Redcar's Station Road to sell gothic and fetish clothing and accessories - including sex aids.

In last week's Clarion, the proposal was criticised by Coun Brenda Forster, chairman of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's licensing committee, which met to discuss regulating Dominion and another sex shop that hopes to open soon in the town centre.

Mr Davis is furious at Coun Forster's comments.

He said: "We are not a sex shop and I am absolutely furious that she made these statements without even coming to see us.

"We just thought this was a little market that hopefully we could exploit to give the shop a bit of an edge and make it a bit naughty."