Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER Published: 7 March 2008
Stephan Schulte and Cllr Paul Convery at the shop
Campaigners oppose new sex shop in King’s Cross
CAMPAIGNERS in King’s Cross have launched a battle against plans for a new sex DVD shop in the area.
At a time when prostitution has been virtually moved on and the area is becoming more residential they fear that a new sex shop selling adult material would send out negative messages.
Residents, including the Thornhill Square Association, are calling on Islington Council’s licensing regulatory committee to turn down an application for the outlet – which has already opened – in Caledonian Road when it meets next Wednesday. It would be the third in the neighbourhood.
Labour councillor Paul Convery said that if the shop got the go-ahead it would mean there were three sex establishments within hundreds of yards of each other.
He added: “Twenty-five years ago this was a seedy, run-down part of London. Today it is up and coming and being redeveloped. We’ve got many families living locally. “What’s more, King’s Cross will be the gateway for visitors to the London Olympic Games who come by Eurostar.”
Resident Stephan Schulte said he thought the new application could be refused simply on the grounds that there is already a licensed shop across the road.
He said: “What could possibly justify the need for a second shop?”
The licensing regulatory committee will meet to decide the issue on Wednesday, March 12 at 2.30pm.