A SEX shop has come under fire for putting up large illuminated signs advertising adult leisure pursuits.

Sixty-six residents of the Park District in Weymouth signed a petition objecting to large new advertisements, which adorn the window panels of Discretion.

And planning chiefs received four more letters voicing outrage about the signs erected at the corner of Queen Street and Ranelagh Road in Weymouth.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's new planning and traffic committee met yesterday to discuss a retrospective planning application to retain the signage.

The advertisements include three black, orange and red fascias, two red and gold signs and two large photographs, which were displayed without planning permission.

The treasurer of the Park District Community Forum, Gordon Laker, said the community was offended by the adverts and called them 'garish' and 'blatant'.

He told the meeting: "There are large pictures of girls on the windows, as well as phrases such as 'lingerie centre.'"

"Our area has a large number of elderly people and children who should not be subjected to this sort of thing.

"We have three places nearby that attract children - Weymouth Operatic Workshop and two dancing schools.

"This shop is one of the first things train passengers see when they arrive in Weymouth.

"We cannot allow this travesty of decency to remain."

The Weymouth Civic Society also said that the signage is excessive, unnecessary and brash.

Councillors agreed that the size and impact of the signs, as well as the colour and illumination, were inappropriate and detracted from the area.

Planning officers said the applicant had refused to change or reduce the signs, and asked for permission to take legal action to remove them if their negotiations did not reach a compromise.

Senior planning officer, Debbie Redding, said: "If we cannot agree anything then we will take action to get the panels removed."

But members voted unanimously to refuse planning permission for the signs to remain in place.

Chairman of the committee, Coun Margaret Leicester, said: "We hope action will be taken quickly."

After the meeting, the manager of Discretion, Russ Lucas, refused to comment.