CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to fight plans for a new sex shop just off Weymouth's scenic seafront.

Essex-based company Darker Enterprises Ltd has applied for a sex establishment licence for empty premises at 27-28 King Street, next to the Esplanade.

Objectors claim the shop would create a downmarket image to visitors arriving in Weymouth at a time when tourism associations are working to promote the resort as an upmarket holiday venue.

Ward councillor Joy Stanley said: "I'm shocked and not happy about this at all.

"This shop would be a terrible advert for Weymouth and would be seen by lots of people getting off the train and could be viewed from the seafront.

"We want Weymouth to be a high class resort and this will not help its image in any way whatsoever.

"There are a lot of children in the area and we don't want them looking inside."

Some members of Weymouth Waterside Community Forum are protesting against the sex shop licence being granted, which will be the first of its kind in the resort.

The borough council says nearby shop Discretion, in Ranelagh Road, does not need a licence because the percentage of sex items on sale is below the required level.

Chairman of the forum Wendy Lewington said: "This kind of shop gives the wrong impression of the area.

"It is very much on public view and will be the first thing many families see when they visit Weymouth."

Reverend Tim Greenslade, of St John's Church in Greenhill, added: "As a Christian church member and parent I don't believe a so-called sex shop would encourage family values or bringing up children in the best possible way.

"I can't see anything positive it would bring to the community.

"Any hardcore material is degrading to women.

"The bible says making love should be in the context of a married partnership and I don't believe such a shop would encourage this."

Jane Light, principal environmental health officer at the borough council, said objectors have just under a month to voice their concerns.

Darker Enterprises Ltd owns a series of shops across the country selling pornographic videos, magazines and sex toys.

The company was not available for comment.