THOSE behind a sex shop licence application have said linking it to the Bullfinch child abuse case was an “insult to everybody who lives in the area”.

Last night councillors agreed to renew the licence for The Private Shop in Cowley Road.

Ten people had written letters of objection to Oxford City Council with many citing the Bullfinch child sex abuse case and the “sub-culture” of the area.

During one of the Bullfinch trials, barrister Lee Karu tried to explain child rapist Anjum Dogar’s part by saying it was unfortunate that he was brought up in Cowley Road.

Earlier this month Oxford East MP Andrew Smith said he supported residents who did “not wish to see anything give a seedy image to the area”.

But Darker Enterprises said the sex shop had no link to the case “whatsoever”.

Management consultant Clive Sullivan, speaking on behalf of the owners, told the committee: “I have gone through the (Bullfinch) supplement in the Oxford Mail in detail and there is not one reference to a sex shop.

“There is a reference of drugs and alcohol being used in respect of grooming unfortunately of girls.

“I don’t hear people asking for every premises in Cowley Road selling alcohol to be closed down.

“This shop has no connection to those events whatsoever.

“The only mention of Cowley Road was from a defence barrister saying the defendant was under the influence of some attitudes which are not acceptable.”

“But to say it is a ‘Cowley Road situation’ I think that’s an insult to everybody who lives and works in this area.”

After an adjournment of 20 minutes the committee agreed to renew the licence.

Chairwoman Mary Clarkson said in its 32-year history the shop had caused no problems.

She told the committee: “The police themselves have not raised any objections.

“We have heard all the concerns that have been raised but we don’t believe there has been a significant change since the last renewal to not justify renewal.”