Councillors in North Shropshire are set to introduce tougher measures to control the amount of sex shops opening in the area.

Plans to charge anyone applying to open a sex shop in the area �1,000, are due to be approved by North Shropshire District Council on Thursday.

The council's head of legal services Rod Owens said the government had introduced the licence charge two years ago but not all councils had adopted the policy, including North Shropshire District Council.

"There aren't any sex shops in North Shropshire so we didn't think it was necessary but since we have had inquiries, so we decided that we should look at introducing these measures," he said.

Council costs

Mr Owen said the charge was not intended to be a deterrent.

"It could be costly for the council if someone applies to open a sex shop.

"Often we have to hold a meeting for residents to air their views before we can approve or reject the plan and then we have to ensure any conditions we impose are adhered to.

"The charge will ensure the council doesn't lose out."

Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council has already adopted the same procedure.