Brighton has had them for decades. Now Hove has its very first sex shop.

But far from fanning the flames of controversy, Ignition has been welcomed by most.

Traders and shoppers say that as long as it is well run and discreet they will not object to it.

The shop in Blatchington Road used to be a butchers and a greengrocers but now sells adult videos, toys, magazines and lingerie.

It is tucked away behind a solid blue front door and opaque glass shop front which is monitored by a security camera.

It is run by a married couple who opened the shop on Thursday but do not want to speak about their new business.

At the moment they sell only adult products for which a licence is not needed. But they have applied to Brighton and Hove Council to sell hardcore videos and other items which need to be licensed.

Valerie Harris, who owns the Lovely Stuff furniture shop, said she did not see a problem having an adult shop next door.

She said: "I certainly don't object to it but a few of my older customers were surprised when they found out what was going to be there.

"Sex shops are part of modern life. I have spoken to the people who run it and they are a lovely couple who are about to have a baby. We get on very well."

Sally Ansell, who runs nearby fabric store Remnants Plus, also had no objection.

She said: "There are already a number in Brighton so why shouldn't there be one in Hove?

But her 80-year-old mother Irene feared the shop could attract the wrong kind of people to the area.

Monday November 10, 2003