Similar applications were made unsuccessfully in 2005 and 2006, when there were vigorous protests led by moral campaigner Steve Stevens, also of Rowlands Road.

This time the council has received a total of 1,949 signatures in letter and petition combined.

However, says an officer's report to the borough council's licensing and control committee, a "significant number" of the objectors do not live within the shop's vicinity or neighbourhood, and 501 do not live in Worthing.

And 137 of the signatories did not give their address and so could not be authenticated.

In addition to the objections, a petition of 528 signatories supporting the application was received, and three letters of support, during the 28-day consultation.

But 187 signatories did not live in the neighbourhood, others lived outside the borough, and 209 signatories did not give their address.

Sussex Police have made no objection, and have highlighted the advantages of such premises being licensed.

The shop has been operated as an unlicensed "adult shop" for more than two years.

It is unable to sell R18 films and there is a limit to the proportion of sex articles the premises may sell.

One parent, with three school-aged children, wrote: "I find some of the posters and items displayed in the window to be unsuitable for public display, and the shop is also unsuitable for children to access.

"I understand that granting a licence would enable Worthing Council to exert greater control over these two issues, and I would, therefore, prefer the shop to become licensed."

An objector wrote: "I am still convinced that a shop licensed to sell R18-rated hardcore sex films would be a blight on the town.

"My concerns are that these films will feed the imaginations and lust of people already drawn to offending behaviour and, as such, are not a helpful or healthy option for the town to offer."

The application is due to be discussed on Wednesday, February 6.

What do you think?

Would it be better for the shop to have a licence or to stay as it is?

How worried are you about the affect of the business on Rowlands Road?

Let us know, comment in the space below or email your views to: letters@worthingherald.co.uk

Readers can also write to Worthing Herald, Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA.

See past stories about Secret Desires fight for a licence:

Click here to read about the campaign against the latest licence bid.

Click here to read the story of how a lack of licence means children can browse: November 2007

Click here to read reaction to the shop changing its window display to reflect its unlicenced status: June 2007

Click here to read the failed licence bid story :January 2007

Click here to read how the campaign against the shop's first licence began two years ago: January 2006