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Journal says no to sex shop plan

Plans to open a sex shop in Barnstaple are being opposed by the town’s weekly newspaper, the North Devon Journal.

The newspaper has launched the BRASS – Barnstaple Rejects A Sex Shop – campaign in response to proposals by Kent businessman Stephen Taylor, who has applied for a licence from North Devon District Council.

Stephen, who runs two shops in Kent, wants to open a shop selling videos, magazines, sex aids and novelty toys in Barnstaple’s Paiges Lane.

But the Journal is worried about the effect the shop would have on the town, and is urging readers to voice their opinions and support its campaign by signing and returning coupons printed in the paper.

These will then be sent on to the district council which is gathering public opinion on the issue.

Journal managing editor Andy Cooper said: “The Journal would urge all its readers to back our BRASS campaign to let those in authority know just how much widespread opposition there is to the idea of a sex shop opening in Barnstaple.

“It is totally inappropriate for the location and would badly let down the town’s image.”

Many locals have already aired concerns about the possible effects of the shop, and there are fears that it would upset customers of nearby businesses and put people off visiting the area.

There are also fears about the type of people the shop may attract, and the implications that could have for future safety.

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