A long-standing Lewisham sex shop has finally packed up having served the community for nearly 20 years.

The Private Shop, next door to Maggie's Cafe on Lewisham Road, has been a constant fixture of the area since 2002, when it was contentiously granted a license despite more than 100 residents objecting.

While the sex establishment, run by Private Shops UK, has been closed to customers since last year, its mysterious signage was only removed last week, revealing it was once owned by a dairy.

According to a planning application approved in May 2020, the shop will become a beauty salon.

News Shopper: The Private Shop in its heyday The Private Shop in its heyday

The store was opened in 2002 by Essex-based sex-retailer Darker Enterprises Ltd.

A previous application to license the premise was refused in 1982 as "inappropriate".

At the time, Orchard Tenants' and Residents' Association chairman Jean Beckley said she was "absolutely disgusted" the plans would go ahead, and would investigate further demonstrations.

She told News Shopper: "Most people didn't want it.

"It's in a main road and if we go to the shops to work or to the station we can't avoid it.

"I can't comprehend the decision. People are frightened for their children.

"The council is supposed to be saying Lewisham is the best borough to live and work.

"I can't see why they have done such a thing.

"If there has to be a sex shop it should be down a side street."

Lewisham Council found no reasonable grounds to refuse the licence, granting it for an initial year.

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