SEX shop licensing laws caused a stir with councillors as a controversial six-mile restriction was hotly debated.

West Wiltshire District Council cabinet members were split over whether to introduce a rule banning any sex shops opening within six-miles of another.

Deputy leader Graham Payne said: "I don't really think it would stand up in law. We should let the market decide.

"The Devil's advocate in me says this rule was done so Bradford on Avon does not get sullied with a sex shop."

Cllr Richard Wiltshire said not including the restriction could leave the authority wide open to numerous applications.

Cabinet members voted narrowly to remove the controversial rule, but full council will have the final say later this month.