All smiles now for jokes row shop boss

A STORE boss whose joke- filled festive advertising leaflet led to a visit from the police has had the last laugh on whoever shopped him.

Not only is Bob Singh's Landmark store in Port Talbot even busier than usual for Christmas but the leaflets themselves are almost becoming collector's items.

Last week the Post reported on Mr Singh's unusual run-in with the law after he decided to give customers something to smile about by sprinkling jokes on his Christmas promotions leaflets.

Although he admitted one or two might be near the knuckle, he insisted the majority were inoffensive.

But a mystery shopper thought otherwise and drew the matter to the attention of the police, claiming some of the gags were potentially offensive and inflammatory.

Officers called to give advice to Mr Singh (pictured) following which he withdrew the leaflets from circulation and put an apology in the window of the Water Street store in Aberavon.

He also opened a special book which customers could sign to declare they were not offended by the jokes.

Since the Post ran the story, Mr Singh's tale has hit the national headlines in Britain and abroad.

He admitted: "The publicity has definitely helped.

"Trade was already doing well anyway. We did a massive price cut campaign for Christmas, but it's fair to say all this publicity has helped us somewhat more."

And it seems the problem leaflets are almost as much in demand as the bargains they are advertising.

"We've had people travel here to ask if they can have one of the leaflets," said Mr Singh.

"We have explained there have been issues with them, and that certain people said they were not happy.

"But, with the proviso they sign the book to state they are in favour of the leaflets, we have been able to let them have a copy.

"I don't know if they are collector's items but there is definitely quite a bit of interest in them."

Aberavon councillor Tony Taylor said Mr Singh had done the right thing by withdrawing the leaflets from general circulation.

"He's a popular and respected businessman. I think he probably did make a mistake, realised that and made amends.

"What is inoffensive to some people is offensive to others. This leaflet could have gone into old people's homes or been picked up children, so you do have to be careful."