A MOVE to block any more sex shops in Taunton has been approved.

Taunton Deane Council's licensing committee has decided the two shops in Station Road are enough - one is trading and the other has permission to open.

Members voted to keep to two in the town and also said there should be no sex shops in parishes around the district.

The matter, prompted by complaints from the public, will now go to full council,.

A guide policy for applicants wishing to set up a sex establishment in the district was also approved.

Deane licensing manager Jim Hunter said: "A local authority can specify the number of sex establishments in an area, and in this particular case two shops would seem appropriate.

"We've examined the case law, and from this I believe the committee's decision is beyond challenge."

Cllr Dilly Bradley, executive member for environmental services, said: "To ensure Taunton's success in competing with the rest of the South-West it's necessary to take a holistic approach.

"This policy is to be part of our overall framework for ensuring Taunton's a quality venue for shopping and leisure."