A MINISTER in Wickham Market today spoke out against the plans to open a sex shop and club in the village.Stacey Wyncoll, of Wickham Market chapel, is worried about the effect the development could have on the village's youngsters.

A MINISTER in Wickham Market today spoke out against the plans to open a sex shop and club in the village.

Stacey Wyncoll, of Wickham Market chapel, is worried about the effect the development could have on the village's youngsters.

He said: "I am concerned about the effect it could have on the whole village in terms of its reputation and also the effect that it is going to have on children and young people.

"We have about 100 young people in our church and we run a variety of youth events in the evenings. I know some of the parents are extremely concerned.

"We don't know what sort of people will be visiting the site and it's not the kind of thing that youngsters should be exposed to."

Mr Wyncoll said he believed his views were shared by the majority of the community.

"It's not just church members that are worried. It seems to be the feeling in the whole village," he said.

"I think most people are of the opinion that if people want to do that kind of thing it's fine, but just not here in our village.

"We would be seriously concerned if this was to take place in this location."

The chapel is situated about a tenth of a mile away from the site of the proposed shop at the Border Cot Lane industrial estate.

Partners behind the venture, Jeremy Ellis, of Campsea Ash, Vic Brand, of Rendlesham, and John Mitchell, of New Costessey, near Norwich, said using an industrial estate was the "perfect place" as it would not interfere with the village.

"This will be a private and confidential club – we will know the names and address of all the members. It is not something seedy at all and will be strictly controlled," said Mr Ellis.

"I have heard people saying that women could be at risk walking round there at night. We will put up CCTV and proper lighting so that it is safe area.

"We are also trying to set up a meeting with police to see if there is a way we can check prospective members against the sex offenders' register to eliminate those people."

Mr Ellis Suffolk Coastal council had told him a £12,000 sex shop licence would not be needed if the club only sold certain goods – lingerie and a few sex toys.

Adam and Eve's Emporium will work on an appointment-only basis during the day but in the evenings members will be able to attend freely and the applicants hope it will remain open until 10pm each night.

The main business at the 108 sq m site will be marketing and distribution of adult goods ordered via the company's web site, though members will be able to purchase gifts at the site.

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