SEX shop wars are coming to Kidderminster, the owner of an adult business has warned, after a rival firm submitted plans to open up in the town.

Tony Tozer, who runs Taboo, in Blackwell Street, said he was furious a rival company had made a bid for a second sex shop for the town - just doors away from his premises.

He said the firm was attempting to start a deliberate "trade war", as there was not enough demand for two sex shops in Kidderminster.

Mr Tozer said he feared he would be forced out of his business, selling adult toys and lingerie, if the bid was approved.

Application

Leeds-based Provincial Enterprises Ltd has submitted an application - set to be decided by Wyre Forest district councillors in September - when Taboo's licence is up for renewal.

"One will have to go and it will be me," Mr Tozer said.

"To open another sex shop is bad enough, let alone to have it five doors down from an existing one. There is no reason anyone should be doing that. All they are going to do is make trade war between two shops.

"It is a deliberate attempt to move in on the area. Worcester only has two sex shops and that is a city, which is a lot bigger than Kidderminster. Kidderminster can't sustain two."

Mr Tozer said he was also furious he had not been personally notified of the application by the council.

"People have a right to know who is moving next door. I am in the same business and pay a licence fee every year and I haven't been notified or given the opportunity to object.

"It is unfair a shop should be allowed into an area where I worked hard to build our business up."

Provincial Enterprises declined to make a comment.

Taboo opened in 1996 amid considerable controversy. It was Kidderminster's first sex shop and has a staff of four. It runs an internet site from its head office at Hoo Farm Industrial Estate, Kidderminster.

Mr Tozer said: "I would like Kidderminster to stay the home of Taboo.

"We have done the hard work and then somebody else comes along and takes the cream."