NEW FOREST councillors are meeting today to decide the future of the area's only sex shop.

Desires in Rumbridge Street, Totton, opened several years ago but has only recently applied for a licence from the district council.

The application has been submitted by Toni Elcock, who has run the shop since March.

A council spokesman said Miss Elcock intended to sell restricted-18 videos, which were more explicit than those currently on sale at the shop.

Her application was being considered at today's meeting of the general purposes and licensing committee.

A report to members says: "This is the first application of its type in the district.

"Desires is currently run without a licence. The council's planning service confirms that the use of the property as a shop would not be inappropriate for that particular part of Totton.

"As such there is no planning objection to the grant of a sex shop licence."

The report says there are a number of leisure-related businesses in the area, including a betting shop and a tattoo parlour.

It adds: "A sex shop would not be inappropriate, having regard to the character of the locality and the use to which premises are put.

"However, access to the property is restricted by a 3in high step, which disabled people may find difficult to negotiate.''

A council spokesman said sex shops did not automatically require a licence, but investigations had shown that one was now needed by Desires. Miss Elcock could appeal if her application was turned down.

Miss Elcock declined to comment, saying her solicitor had advised her to make no public statement ahead of today's meeting.