ICELAND are set to open next month in The Parade after their new refurbished shop front got the backing of town planners - despite concerns about dreadful looking , anti ram-raid measures.

ICELAND are set to open next month in The Parade after their new refurbished shop front got the backing of town planners - despite concerns about 'dreadful looking', anti 'ram-raid' measures.

Councillors on Monday evening backed the replacement shop front and new air-conditioning units - but not the new red aluminium shutters, a trademark of many Iceland stores.

Secretary of the custodians of the town's heritage the Exmouth Society, Ian Cann said: "...the proposed roller shutters (are)...detrimental to the town centre frontages...

"...there is no opportunity for any kind of vehicle 'ram raid', which is presumably one of the deterrent purposes these dreadful looking objects are supposed to fulfil..."

Town manager Tony Collins said: "No overall concerns...this is a national brand and a welcome addition," but added that he "was not sure if the use of shutters was entirely appropriate."

Cllr Steve Gazzard said: "We welcome Iceland to Exmouth...however I have a problem with the roller blinds.

"We have had no problems in the past and do not see problems in the future."

The plans will now be considered by district planners.