The applications were rejected on location grounds

Their complaints were lodged with the city council, which said it was the biggest number of objections to this type of application it had received.

A decision on another sex shop on Fishponds Road by the same operator was adjourned at the request of the applicant.

A petition was organised after residents expressed concern over the shop fronts' appearances and how they would affect the areas concerned.

You could not find a more unsuitable location Councillor Alan Davies

Police also raised concerns because both proposed sites were close to schools and playgrounds.

Labour councillor Alan Davies told the BBC: "This campaign has come from the people - I have done nothing to organise it.

"The location in Fishponds is the problem. It is surrounded by houses and in the middle of a shopping area with two schools close by.

"You could not find a more unsuitable location."

On Wednesday, the council's licensing committee refused the applications on location grounds.