A BUSINESSMAN who wants to open a sex shop in Wickham Market today sparked concern among villagers by claiming it would be a used in the rehabilitation of sex offenders. He said offenders would not be allowed in the shop - but admitted it would be hard to identify them.

A BUSINESSMAN who wants to open a sex shop in Wickham Market today sparked concern among villagers by claiming it would be a used in the rehabilitation of sex offenders.

Vic Brand, one of the trio behind the controversial application for Adam and Eve's Emporium, said:

* The business should be viewed positively as a local amenity in the treatment and rehabilitation of sex offenders.

* Sex offenders would not be allowed in the shop.

* BUT there is no way of knowing who they are.

In a letter to The Evening Star, Mr Brand said: "Material and items of a sexual nature are actively used in the treatment and rehabilitation of sex offenders and people being treated for sexual disorders so our business should be viewed positively as a local amenity in supporting these services."

FULL STORY IN TONIGHT'S EVENING STAR