PLANS to open a sex shop in the heart of Maidstone's shopping centre have been blasted by town centre bosses.

Ann Summers wants to open a store in Week Street, between Woolworths and Marks & Spencer in January. The proposal came to light when the store submitted plans to Maidstone council.

The chain has 105 high street shops across the country and describes its stock as "unique, sexy and fun." It specialises in raunchy lingerie but also sells sex toys, oils, magazines, videos and bondage equipment.

Town centre manager Bill Moss said shoppers would not want such a shop "in their face" at a prime spot.

He said: "Even though items will not be displayed in the window, the shop is still there, selling sex. There will be a large number of people who will not be comfortable going past this shop."

Cllr Dan Daley (Lib Dem), Maidstone council's cabinet member for housing strategy and regeneration, added: "I welcome it like I would a carbuncle."

But Philip Toomey, spokesman for Ann Summers, said that the store has been welcomed to the vast majority of high streets across the country.

He said: "We bring something unique, sexy and fun to customers. There is a big demand for it, we will be opening another 40 stores next year."

Maidstone council cannot object to a shop on the basis of what it sells but does have discretionary powers to require licences for sex shops. The town already has two sex shops, one licensed, outside the main area.

Cllr Daley said Ann Summers was not officially classed as a sex shop. "Chances are it will not need a licence," he said. "It is seen as soft porn - not something too naughty. It is a matter of choice for the people of Maidstone."