A council has adopted a new policy which will stop strip clubs and sex cinemas opening in town centres.

Central Bedfordshire Council has updated its policy on the licensing of sexual entertainment venues and sex cinemas after residents expressed their concern about them.

An initial telephone survey in March of 1,123 residents resulted in 63% of people saying they were against licences for sexual entertainment venues being granted in their area. The results also revealed that at least 80% were opposed to the venues operating in the vicinity of religious buildings, schools, residential areas and places frequented by children and families.

A full public consultation on the draft policy showed similar feelings about the locality of sex establishments.

The new policy, which does not include sex shops, will prevent sex establishments being open within 500 metres of areas frequented by children and families, such as residential areas, parks, community buildings and areas associated with family leisure and retail, as well as schools.

Cllr Brian Spurr, executive member for sustainable communities (services) at the council, said: “As part of our aim to make Central Bedfordshire a great place to live and work, we’re keen to ensure the character of our towns are preserved and that our high streets remain places where all members of the public feel safe and keen to spend time.

“This new policy demonstrates our commitment to protecting families and that we’ve listened to residents’ opinions given both in the telephone survey and public consultation.”

Sex shops in Central Bedfordshire do not need to adhere to this new locality policy, but will still be subject to normal licensing conditions for a sex establishment.