CONCERN has erupted over a proposed sex shop earmarked for a prominent site in Ipswich town centre. Essex-based company Darker Enterprises Limited is thought to be trying to apply for permission to open a sex shop on Upper Brook Street.
CONCERN has erupted over a proposed sex shop earmarked for a prominent site in Ipswich town centre.
Essex-based company Darker Enterprises Limited is thought to be trying to apply for permission to open a sex shop on Upper Brook Street.
If the retail outlet gets the green light it will be sandwiched between a bedding store and a stationery shop on the former site of Essential Clothing.
The news prompted mixed reactions from businesses and shoppers.
Phillip Lee, store manager of The Stationery Box, spoke out against a sex shop for fears it could damage trade.
"Obviously people are allowed to open any shop they like but looking at it from a business point of view, I am not sure.
"Parents come in with their children for back to school things and what would they think if a sex shop is next door."
Stationery shopper Jennifer Boyce, 56, of Hadleigh Road, echoed his remarks saying: "I think there is enough sex on television without it on the streets, especially if young children get to see it. Do we really want to see it on the High Street?"
But Zoom The Loom, which is on the junction of Upper Brook Street and Carr Street, had a different opinion.
"It depends what they would sell, because they are all different so I don't know whether it would affect us or not.
"They are everywhere in London, but it doesn't affect trade. People do buy things like that for hen nights.
"I am surprised it would be on this street because it is so high profile. They could buy their toys next door and come in here for their bedding."
"We'll be selling satin sheets before you know it," she joked.
If it does get a license it would join sex shop Sixx on Upper Orwell Street, which became Ipswich's first ever licenced sex shop.
Although there are other shops selling adult goods, such as Ann Summers and Secrets, a sex shop is licensed to sell more explicit material.
Darker Enterprises Limited is planning to place a public notice The Evening Star next Friday.
N What do you think? Write in to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or visit the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here