A SELF-confessed dominatrix has set up a fetish "dungeon" in the heart of Accrington town centre.

The opening of the sado-masochism room, run from the cellar of Peaches lingerie shop in Abbey Street, Accrington, has been slammed by the Bishop of Blackburn who said he was "horrified".

But the risque business was not criticised by local retailers and politicians, who have accepted the new addition to the town.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said it showed "all sorts of businesses can prosper in Hyndburn", while Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, whose office is set to move to the same street, said he did not support it but "what consenting adults do behind closed doors is up to them".

The dungeon is next to a home improve-ment agency and retailers nearby include clothes shops, a chip shop and the town's main post office.

It has stocks, what is described as a St Andrew's crucifix and an isolation cage and is used for magazine photo shoots, but is also visited by couples and individuals who want to make use of the restraining equipment.

Owner Tracy Wilkinson, 39, who also goes by the name Mistress Pain, set up the dungeon six months ago and offers her services as a dominatrix for £25 an hour, on top of the £20 an hour fee for hiring the dungeon.

The Rt Rev Nicholas Reade, Bishop of Blackburn, said: "Sex is a wonderful gift that has been given to us by God and I am saddened that it is being abused in this way.

"I am horrified that in a place where this gift is being used as a commodity that there should be a crucifix on the wall. It is offensive to all Christians that the sign of our salvation should be placed there."

Tracy, from Oswaldtwistle, defended her business venture and said: "There is no sex involved. A dominatrix is not a prostitute. People come to me, for whatever reasons, to be punished.

"What they do with those experiences when they get home is their own business.

"We don't have clients trouping up the street wearing basques and suspenders .

"It is very discreet. A lot of the surrounding shops know what we are doing and have even been in for a look. No-one has been offended, most are just intrigued."

No complaints have been lodged with either the council or the police.

Alcohol, drugs and sexual contact are all banned from the dungeon. Only those over 18 are allowed in.

Tracy's partner David Livesey, 46, said: "A lot of customers are aged between 40 and 50 and have reached a stage in their life where they want to liven things up."

All equipment meets health and safety regulations and there is a two way radio linked to the shop upstairs in case there are any problems.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "It has not caused any great concern. As long as it is not offending people and it is not on show for all to see, then fair enough."

One neighbouring shop-keeper, who asked not to be named, said: "There has been no trouble at all. If anything it has created a bit of a talking point.

"You would never guess that kind of thing went on down there."

Peter Aspin, president of Hyndburn Chamber of Trade, added: "I don't see a problem if it is all above board."