Worshippers are objecting to a shop which declares it is the new transgender store for the South.

Councillor Heather James last night told Brighton and Hove City Council: "It claims to offer the widest range of lingerie, footwear, wigs, clothes, toys, uniforms and transgender products."

She presented a petition signed by 57 members of Holy Cross Church in Tamworth Road, Hove, opposing the shop in Portland Road.

It said: "We believe Portland Road is an unsuitable place for such a shop.

"There are schools nearby and it is a family and residential area."

A council official went to the shop and wrote to neighbours saying he did not think it was a sex shop that needed a licence.

Coun James said: "Officers have said the premises will continue to be monitored to ensure that it does not breach the legislation.

"Residents are still concerned."