A sex shop is a "temptation" for sex offenders living close by according to an objector who branded the trade immoral.

Richmond upon Thames Council gave Kew Road's Private Lines sex shop their blessing, approving the management's application to renew their licence at a hearing on Wednesday.

But Chris and Rosemary Jarvis, of Twickenham Christian Concern, said the shop with its pornography, sex toys and bondage gear is a bad influence on sex offenders living at a nearby probation hostel.

Speaking at the licencing hearing, Mr Jarvis said: "What is the point of having temptation on the doorstep? There are items of bondage in the shop - we are talking about articles for force and restraint."

He explained that several years ago, residents uninimously voted at area committee meetings across the borough not to allow sex shops in the area. However, Private Lines was granted a 12 month licence to operate last year.

Clive Sullivan, a management consultant for the shop, said they did not in fact need a licence to operate: "The thrust of the argument is this - what is sold is perfectly legal although it might not be to everybody's taste. If there had been problems with sex offenders the police would have raised the matter. The licence gives the council greater control of opening hours and the shop's appearance."

Panel members Couns Niki Urquhart, Eleanor Stanier and Brian Miller, renewed the licence for a further 12 months as there had been no complaints about the establishment, just moral objections..

Mrs Jarvis added: "We are disappointed. The council did not even want to see the material. We are concerned about the vulnerable people in the community."