YOUNG children have been able to look around a controversial Worthing sex shop – because it is unlicensed.

Kathy Sutton, owner of Secret Desires in Rowlands Road, revealed to the Herald this week she was legally allowed to let people aged under 18 inside to browse.

Ironically, if she was licensed – something moral campaigners have been fighting against since she opened in 2005 – it would mean she would have to follow stricter rules and allow only over-18s inside.

Ms Sutton has submitted her third application for a licence to Worthing Borough Council, having been unsuccessful in 2006 and earlier this year.

The owner of six sex shops across the south, she said: "At the moment, 14, 15, or 16-year-olds can come into the shop to look at the items we sell, but they can't buy anything.

"Being unlicensed also means we can have the shop window uncovered, which has encouraged people to come in.

"I can apply for a licence every year, and I will."

Ms Sutton first opened the shop in 2005, sparking outrage among moral campaigners.

Her first licence application was refused in January, 2006, because licensing committee members felt it would be inappropriate to have a fully licensed sex shop in the area, because of objections received and because there are two children's homes and a nursery nearby.

Despite this, Ms Sutton decided to run Secret Desires as though it was licensed, as a fully licensed shop had more regulations to follow – she allowed only over-18s inside and had the windows covered up.

The idea was to show residents how little effect it would have on the area.

But after her second application was refused on the same grounds in January this year, she started running it as the unlicensed shop it was.

This meant uncovering the windows so people could see inside and allowing people of all ages to shop there.

According to Ms Sutton, the only difference having a licence would mean would be she could stock 18-rated adult films.

She said: "There is a demand for what we sell and since we opened there have not been any problems.

"House prices have not dropped and there has not been an increase in crime.

"When is the licensing committee going to start listening?"

Moral campaigner Steve Stevens has been fighting against the shop since it first opened.

Mr Stevens, of Rowlands Road, said: "I will put on an even stronger campaign this year and, if needed, I will bring down a barrister for the licensing hearing.

"Ms Sutton is very foolish if she thinks she will be successful.

"We have kept this town without a licensed sex shop since 1984 and we intend on keeping it that way.

"She wants to make money out of perverted people who want hardcore porn.

"This town does not want a licensed sex shop."

The licensing hearing is expected to be held in February.

What do you think?

Does this town want a licensed sex shop?

What do you think of the appearance of the shop as it is now?

Have you noticed it's there?

Let us know, comment in the space below or email letters@worthingtoday.co.uk