PLANS to open a sex shop in Hartlepool have been refused much to the delight of residents who feared it would be detrimental to the area.

Provincial Enterprises Limited had applied to Hartlepool Borough Council's licensing committee for a sex establishment licence for premises in the town's York Road.

It would have been located next to Casablanca's Restaurant and near properties in Elliott Street, Errol Street and Wharton Street. Lynnfield School is also approximately 200m away from the site.

Residents who objected to the plans were at the licensing committee meeting yesterday as the application was discussed.

Objector Peter West said: "The proposed shop is slap bang in the centre of the town in proximity to a school and residents.

"It is inappropriate for the town and detrimental to local businesses and residents, and there is a lot of strong objection against it."

Provincial Enterprises Ltd is a business run by Kevin Mitchell, his wife and daughter for more than 20 years.

They have ten shops around the country.

Mr Mitchell said he had chosen Hartlepool after carrying out research.

Barrister Nageena Khaliqqe, speaking on behalf of the company, said: "It became apparent to Mr Mitchell there is a market for this kind of merchandise in the town.

"There are certain myths surrounding sex shops and they must be dispelled.

"The material sold in these premises would all be lawful, and all staff would be fully trained to check the ID of any customers."

Despite reassurance the company would work closely with the council to control the licence, councillors refused the application. Members said it would be inappropriate to the character of the area.

Dave Berry, chairman of the Errol/Wharton Street Residents Association, said: "The residents will be delighted the application has been turned down.

"They have fought tooth and nail against it.

"I think it is a good decision and one that is right for the area."

Mr Mitchell declined to comment after the meeting.