A bitter row between a York sex shop and members of the Salvation Army has split the Christian congregation after the shop was granted Sunday trading.

The Adult Shop in Gillygate has been allowed to open on Sundays for the first time after Salvation Army leader Major Paul Westlake said members had no objection to the plans.

But Peter Gales, 81, who worships at the group's Gillygate Citadel, opposite the sex shop, said comments made in court by Major Westlake were "misleading" and that many remained unhappy.

Mr Gales, of New Earswick, said the major had "somewhat exaggerated" his claims to have consulted members and that the group has been "compromised and sadly misrepresented" by him.

But Major Westlake said he wanted to hold a discussion with Salvation Army members on Sunday to discuss the recent issues before making any expansive comment in the press.

He added that he was "not surprised" that Adult Shop bosses have since indicated their wish to further extend their opening hours.

Nick Griffin, 32, said he would consider opening his Gillygate business on Christmas Day.

He said: "We think that by opening on Christmas Day we are offering a similar service to singles that the Salvation Army offers to homeless people in need."

Mr Griffin said the shop's board would meet to discuss the proposal and that he was also considering another application to extend his Sunday opening hours when his licence is considered for renewal in May.

The controversial shop has been granted permission to open from noon to 5pm on Sundays, despite a 374-name petition being posted to the council by the Christian organisation.

Mr Gales said: "It is regrettable, but not surprising, if the Salvation Army's moral image, and the respect of the general public has in its work, has now been dented."

Updated: 10:33 Saturday, October 04, 2003