A development application has been lodged with Orange City Council to allow Flirt Adult Store and Vivid Black, a lingerie store, to move to 157-159 Summer Street.

Councillors will consider whether to approve the commercial space be used as a “restricted premises (sex shop)” at Tuesday night’s meeting.

The Central Western Daily asked in an online poll if readers “support Flirt Adult Store and Vivid Black moving to 157 Summer Street?”

The results were conclusive, with 650 people out of the 862 who cast votes as of Tuesday morning – or more than 75 per cent - saying they would support the move.

176 people (20.42 per cent) said they opposed the store’s relocation, while a further 36 (4.18 per cent) were undecided.

The story was posted on the Central Western Daily’s Facebook page and was inundated with comments.

Zach French wrote: “The people who are worried about this for their kids, wouldn't and shouldn't you be more worried about the ice and drugs on our streets? A sex shop is nothing as they will eventually have sex in their lifetimes, drug on the other hand, there is no need for them to come in contact with them, especially as dangerous as ice.”

Kylie Stacpoole concurred, writing: “I find it interesting that it's even an issue. It's a shop. No one forces anyone to go in there. You can't see anything, the restricted signage is reasonable. What's the issue?”

Meredith Schwilk disagreed, arguing there are ethical issues with regards to parenting with the store’s proposed placement: “Sure, parents and guardians can be discreet or explicit in their explanation but do they have to be forced to have the discussion at a time and place they may/not want to?”

Seven businesses, Regency Jewellers, Sportspower, Kingfisher School Gear, Peter Fisher and Benchmark on behalf of three of its tenants, have lodged their opposition to the proposal. 

HAVE YOUR SAY …