York Councillors have said no to sex on Sundays at Gillygate's most controversial shop.

The sex shop, run by Offshore Publishing Co Ltd, had applied to open on Sundays to meet increasing customer demand.

But after hearing objections from the Salvation Army Citadel opposite, planning councillors turned them down last night.

Roger Griffin, the company's general manager, told councillors: "Our trade appears to be drawn from a wide cross-section of people and lots of them are from outside York, from out in the country. They are constantly ringing up and saying they want to come in and buy something but can't come on a Saturday."

He said tourists would benefit from Sunday opening and mail order customers would be able to telephone in.

Mr Griffin said the shop had complied with conditions imposed when it was granted its latest licence in March.

Peter Gales, from the Citadel, which sent in a 374-name petition of objection, told councillors he was pleased the shop had complied with the conditions.

"I am absolutely satisfied that what you did then was the right thing. I trust this committee will hold on to what you decided.

"The shop is opposite a place of worship used by three to four hundred people on Sundays.

After the meeting Mr Griffin said he was disappointed and said the shop might well appeal or apply again. Mr Gales said he was glad councillors had agreed Sunday was a special day.

Updated: 08:49 Friday, July 27, 2001