Objectors were outraged today after the first sex shop in Mid Sussex was given the green light by councillors.

The Pillow Talk shop in East Grinstead was granted a six-month licence last night to sell lingerie, glamour wear, sex aids, magazines and videos.

The business, which has been trading as an unlicensed sex shop since mid-August, had applied for a year's licence.

Plans for the licence had come under fire because residents felt it would lower the tone of the area.

Almost 30 letters of objection, signed by 37 people, were sent to Mid Sussex District Council, protesting against proposals to allow the shop in Railway Approach.

Councillor Allan Beal said: "I am disappointed. I believe this is an inappropriate establishment in an inappropriate location.

"It's going to lower the tone of the area, which is one of the main gateways into the town near the railway station.

"Many people are unhappy because it could lead to the introduction of other undesirable elements coming into the town."

The shop will be open Monday to Friday between 10am and 6pm and Saturday between 9am and 6pm.

Owner Alan Butler, from Bletchingley, Surrey, was also given a licence to operate on the two Sundays preceding Christmas, between 10am and 4pm.

Although there are a number of shops in Mid Sussex specialising in lingerie with prominent window displays, it is the first time a full sex shop licence has been granted in the district.

Coun Jack Slaughter, a member of the licensing committee, said: "It was a very difficult decision for everyone, but one has to comply with the law as it stands."