THE row over a window display at a Salisbury sex shop took a new turn this week when its owner handed in his own petition showing support for his business.
Jonathan Spencer, who runs Amazing Fantasy in Fisherton Street, has been collecting signatures from people coming into his store who say they support the changes he made to the frontage of his shop and the window display.
As the Journal reported last week, Mr Spencer was forced to take down one of his window posters by a Wiltshire Council licensing officer who also raised concerns that he had made changes to the shop’s appearance without notifying the council.
The officer’s visit followed a petition by local residents who were angry that the refurbished store had images of scantily clad women at the eye-level of children and inappropriate slogans in the window.
But Mr Spencer said he was trying to “brighten up”
the premises, where the shop has been trading for 18 years.
More than 80 people have signed the petition supporting his business and on Tuesday he handed it to ward councillor Richard Clewer, who had also received the residents’ petition of 40 signatures.
“I know that Salisbury is a religious city and feelings run high about this sort of thing but I am just trying to run my business,” said Mr Spencer.
“I have been heartened by the amount of support I have received from customers and people who appreciate what I have done with the shop.
“I think this petition shows the strength of feeling and I hope that has some bearing with the licensing department at the council.”
Wiltshire Council said that a condition of Mr Spencer’s licence was informing them of any changes to the shop and that a system would be set up so he could keep them informed of any alternations in the future so licensing officers can advise accordingly.
Comments
Well done Jonathan. It's about time some common sense and sanity was restored to Salisbury.
Well done Jonathan. It's about time some common sense and sanity was restored to Salisbury.
Just to correct the Journal there were 108 signatures on the petition. In addition 14 local business also supported the way the shop looks now.
I would like to thank all those who have showed and voiced their support for the shop.
We have been overwhelmed by people coming in and although (due to the nature of the business) they didn't want to provide their name and address to the council they still wished us well.
We have had cards and letters from all over Wiltshire in support.
I do hope the council now listens to the public.
I respect the views Nelly Bull and her fellow petitioners (who petitioned against the shop) they need to realise that everybody has sex, immaculate conception was only for the Virgin Mary.
People need our products for strong, long loving relationships.
Just to correct the Journal there were 108 signatures on the petition. In addition 14 local business also supported the way the shop looks now.
I would like to thank all those who have showed and voiced their support for the shop.
We have been overwhelmed by people coming in and although (due to the nature of the business) they didn't want to provide their name and address to the council they still wished us well.
We have had cards and letters from all over Wiltshire in support.
I do hope the council now listens to the public.
I respect the views Nelly Bull and her fellow petitioners (who petitioned against the shop) they need to realise that everybody has sex, immaculate conception was only for the Virgin Mary.
People need our products for strong, long loving relationships.
Well done Jonathan Spencer, People need to support local businesses In Salisbury.
Well done Jonathan Spencer, People need to support local businesses In Salisbury.
I drive past this store most days and always thought the old store looked very seedy and am sure could have been the cause of many rear end shunts with the clothing and models that use to be in the window (lol)... But now the store looks so more reputable and more enticing to get few more people through the door... Well done to the owner for the upgrades and standing up for yourself.
I drive past this store most days and always thought the old store looked very seedy and am sure could have been the cause of many rear end shunts with the clothing and models that use to be in the window (lol)... But now the store looks so more reputable and more enticing to get few more people through the door... Well done to the owner for the upgrades and standing up for yourself.
Good work Jonathan Spencer. Even if this doesn't change the licensing department's meddling, you've earned yourself a few friends and supporters here. And it has to be said, good on you Mr Clewer for receiving the petition in the same manner as the first.
Good work Jonathan Spencer. Even if this doesn't change the licensing department's meddling, you've earned yourself a few friends and supporters here. And it has to be said, good on you Mr Clewer for receiving the petition in the same manner as the first.
Well done Jonathan.
I trust Mr. Clewer recognised you for outstanding pride of ownership, with what you've done with you business. I also hope he is eager to make you an shining example of a Salisbury businessman , who has invested and spent your own money to make Salisbury look better. With so many businesses closing down, I'm sure Mr Clewer is very happy to see such an effort to improve our city, I know I am.
I think he should make you Salisbury businessman of the year! Well done to him also for accepting your petition.
Well done Jonathan.
I trust Mr. Clewer recognised you for outstanding pride of ownership, with what you've done with you business. I also hope he is eager to make you an shining example of a Salisbury businessman , who has invested and spent your own money to make Salisbury look better. With so many businesses closing down, I'm sure Mr Clewer is very happy to see such an effort to improve our city, I know I am.
I think he should make you Salisbury businessman of the year! Well done to him also for accepting your petition.
Not another picture of Cllr Clewer accepting a petition!!!!!
Whiteparishman is definitely 'out picturing' the mayor this year!
Not another picture of Cllr Clewer accepting a petition!!!!!
Whiteparishman is definitely 'out picturing' the mayor this year!
“I am not at all surprised by the opposition to this display,” said cllr Clewer." in the original story.
No comment from Mr Clewer on this petition. I wonder why?
Perhaps it should be "I am not at all surprised at the support for this display"
“I am not at all surprised by the opposition to this display,” said cllr Clewer." in the original story.
No comment from Mr Clewer on this petition. I wonder why?
Perhaps it should be "I am not at all surprised at the support for this display"