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.