Even the most dyslexic passer-by cannot misread the obvious inference in the window display message fcuk xm@s

That is the nice, friendly Yuletide slogan being sported by the clothing group French Connection in its Coney Street shop window in York. And quite understandably it has offended people.

One York resident was so affronted by the message he has called on people to boycott the store as well as the franchise owner Victoria Bage's other York shop, Sarah Coggles in Petergate.

In response Mrs Bage claims, perversely, she does not see why the logo is offensive. A spokesman for French Connection UK says the initials are an abbreviation of the company's title and are not meant to be offensive.

Come off it, both of you. We have a right to walk down Coney Street with our children or grandparents and not have to be embarrassed or offended by this blatant attention grabber.

At this time of year our city centre is a family place, especially with the St Nicholas Fair and other festive attractions.

Make a gesture, French Connection, and clean up your act for Christmas. You cannot claim now that you did not realise you were causing offence. And you never know, the goodwill could reap your business great benefits.

see NEWS 'Pardon our French'

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