In reply to RA Hill, it is certainly true that Catholic doctrine opposes all extramarital sexual activity, for the welfare of the people involved as much as anything else.

However, I have been asked to comment on the specific area of homosexuality, due to the current nature of the topic in the news. This request was made not by some errant priest on the fringe, as implied by RA Hill, but no less than Cardinal Tatzinger, Prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith (published in The Universe newspaper, 3.8.03)

I am well aware of attitudes to sex in contemporary secular society, which is precisely why I feel the need to comment.

Look at the housing shortage and broken homes caused by the increasing divorce rate, or the growth of sexually transmitted diseases.

Try to buy a humourous birthday card that isn't smutty. British society is falling into a cesspit and as the saying goes: "If you are in a hole, stop digging".

That is why I give my wholehearted public support to the Rev Stephen Wood of Foundation Christian Fellowship, who is opposing plans for a sex shop in Warminster.

Here in Trowbridge we have had one for two years, something which a town with an already seedy reputation needed like a hole in the head.

Warminster doesn't have to go down the same route.

Common grounds for refusal of planning permission include that the project is out of character for the area or will have a detrimental effect on the community.

Would West Wiltshire District Council be able to use similar arguments to refuse a shop licence application?

Society doesn't have to be the way it is.

We can change it if the will is there to do so.

Trowbridge Town