THE Vicar of Huddersfield has strongly objected to a sex shop and cinema.

The low-key Empire Cinema in John William Street was hoping to renew a licence allowing it to sell adult books, magazines, videos and sex aids.

The members-only film club also shows R18 adult movies.

The Rev Catherine Ogle, speaking at a meeting of Kirklees Council's Licensing and Safety Committee, was supported by many letters from churchgoers worried about the impact the cinema had on public morals.

She added families had to feel comfortable walking the town's streets and that the business should go.

She said of the cinema: "It does contribute to an environment that is intimidating or threatening. It has a seedy kind of atmosphere."

She told of her initial reaction walking past the premises for the first time.

"Gosh, this part of town isn't for me."

And she added that the economic regeneration of surrounding streets would be hit by the existence of the picture house.

The exterior of the cinema is strictly controlled by Kirklees Council. Officers limit the type of signs outside, ensuring the Empire draws as little attention to itself as possible.

Committee chairman Clr Peter Sykes said: "We have got past the arguments of allowing sex shops into Kirklees. They are there."

He said they needed to be regulated and controlled. "This one doesn't seem to be causing any problem at all."

The renewal decision was deferred to allow the cinema boss to voice his counter-arguments before the committee.

Empire owner Stephen Fawthrop said he was surprised at the decision.

"We have had a cinema here for 25 years and a sex shop for three years, without any problems.

"The Government cannot refuse applications on moral grounds so I doubt the Council can."