A sex shop in Richmond will continue trading after its licence was renewed, despite the council’s no sex establishment policy.

Private Shop, at 111 Kew Road, Richmond, has been open for almost 10 years, and will continue to hold its licence to trade from 9.30am until 8pm, Monday to Saturday.

The council has a policy of no sex establishments in the borough, which is discretionary for new applications rather than grounds to refuse to renew a licence.

The shop, which has a plain brown front and blinds pulled down, has always complied with the terms of its licence, but groups have protested the application every year.

Objectors highlighted nearby Falcons Prep School as an issue, but the council did not receive any objections from the school itself.

An objection letter to the council’s licensing department read: “We object strongly to the Private Shop on the grounds of inappropriateness of the character of the locality and use made by the premises in the vicinity.

“The use of the parade of shops and accommodation by families and young children nearby also add to the inappropriateness for the sex shop.”

Councillor Pamela Fleming, cabinet member for environment, said: “Like a lot of people in the area I would prefer it not to be there. It doesn’t fit in with the area.”

Its licence was renewed at a licensing sub-committee meeting on Tuesday, April 15.

Brian Yeo, 55, who works as a full time sales assistant in the shop, said: “I know you get people that moan about it but I can’t see the problem.

“As long as we don’t have kids coming in then it’s fine.

“We just get people in who walk off from the street and we have quite a few regulars.”