Oxford Uni in row with kebab seller

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-02-04 11:31

Oxford University's Christ Church college has become involved in a dispute with a local kebab van, reports The Telegraph.

Sid's Kitchen, which opens between 7pm and 3am, has served kebabs, chips and burgers outside the college for 15 years.

However, staff have been critical of Saeid Keshmiri's stall, claiming that it distracts students with its smell and encourages drunken behaviour.

Christ Church approached the council about having Sid's Kitchen moved, but Keshmiri has agreed to shift his business 200 yards down the road as a compromise.

"It is inappropriate and unsuitable to have traders with noise, food smells, as well as crime and disorder in plain view of windows of people who want a good night's sleep," said Christ Church steward John Harris.

Mr Keshmiri commented: "For 15 years we have been serving people including the students. They come down and get a baked potato when studying at night. They are quite happy we are here. It's a nice place to work - the only problem is drunk people but they are not using my van, they are using the bus stops."

Student Lawrence Hughes, 21, defended Keshmiri, saying: "I fully support Sid's Kitchen and Saeid. He's got as much right to be here as anyone else. I always enjoy a kebab and chips after a hard night's studying."