THE future of a long-established Oxford sex shop will be decided tonight after a children's charity set up in response to the Bullfinch scandal raised concerns.

The Private Shop in Cowley Road has been selling adult books, films, magazines and 'marital aids' since 1981 and has been successful in renewing its licence every time it has applied.

Four years ago the community responded vociferously to the company's application following the Bullfinch child sex exploitation case - which saw seven men jailed for at least 95 years for the rape and abuse of six girls in the city.

Fewer objections have been received this time but a children's charity and an experienced foster carer have called on Oxford City Council to turn down the licence.

Children's charity Viva, whose local Doorsteps initiative was set up in response to Bullfinch, said: "These sorts of venues and shops send a message completely counter to the message we should be sending young people.

"Having such a venue in a prominent location at the heart of a community normalises a culture of exposing children and young people to overt sexual behaviour before they can fully comprehend it and be aware of the negative consequences."

A foster carer for Oxfordshire County Council with 18 years' experience, who wished to remain anonymous, was concerned about the venue being in a family-centric area.

They said: "There have been a number of very serious sex related crimes committed in the area - not least those related to the Bullfinch case.

"I am concerned about the next generation, especially vulnerable children and youth and believe that to allow such a licensed premise on a popular road would give legality to potentially unpleasant behaviour that could impact on local children and youth.

"I realise that such behaviour goes on illegally but to legalise such a venue in this area would impact on an otherwise pleasantly developing area of Oxford, which has been becoming more family centred and child friendly."

But Darker Enterprises director Colin Mason said there were only two objections this time compared to ten four years ago.

He said: "We will be drawing the attention of the committee to the fact that there was never any link between the shop and the Bullfinch sex abuse case.

"The Police have not objected to any annual renewal of the licence and there have been no matters that have been of concern to the authorities."

The city council's licensing committee will decide tonight at Town Hall at 5.30pm.