CONTROVERSIAL signs advertising guns at Christchurch Quay have been removed following concerns.

The signs promoting a guns and weaponry shop next to one for children’s scuba activities at Christchurch Quay did not have permission from the council to be there.

The advertising boards at Christchurch Quay were placed on the quay wall near Place Mill by local business Tal Shooting and Scuba shop in Fairmile, next to a boat the company uses for scuba diving.

The sign for the shooting shop, which is a registered firearms dealer, listed services and items including rifles, shotguns and pistols, crossbows and sling shots and other accessories.

But the eye-catching advert caused some concern from local residents, especially in light of the recent shootings in the US.

The Daily Echo spoke to passers-by who said they were shocked to see the sign next to a board saying “Kids Stuff”, advertising Saturday morning scuba lessons for youngsters.

One Christchurch resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I first noticed it a couple of weeks ago when I was down the Quay and didn’t feel very comfortable about it then to be honest.

“I must admit I was quite shocked.

“I was with some people who were also quite disturbed. Then I saw it again after the shootings in America and it struck even more of a chord then.”

Strategic director for Christchurch and East Dorset Councils, David Barnes said: “The Council has contacted the company and requested that they remove the unauthorised advertising signs from Christchurch Quay. They agreed to remove them.”

Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Peter Hall, who represents the town centre ward said: “It is outrageous that these are put up in such a public place, especially after the school shootings in the US.

“I have been in touch with the council and the shop has not got a licence to have them up at all.

“I went down to the Quay to see them for myself and several people commented on them saying they are incredibly inappropriate.”

The shop was unavailable for comment.