A BITTER-SWEET row has blown up between two neighbouring confectioners in one of York’s oldest streets.

John Plant, the owner of Sweet Treasures, in Shambles, has posted signs warning customers his business has no connection with Candy Shakes next door.

One sign reads: “Polite Notice. This is the original Sweet Treasures traditional sweet shop. We have nothing at all to do with the recently-opened sweet shop next door. You may wish to compare our prices.”

Another sign reads: “Remember Sweet Treasures – the shop that others try to copy!”

Mr Plant said he had put up the signs after some customers became confused and thought he had expanded his business into the shop next door.

“I wanted to make it clear we were a separate shop,” he said.

He said Sweet Treasures had been open for almost a decade, and when Candy Shakes opened up earlier this year, it appeared to pose no competition, as it was selling milk shakes.

But then, almost overnight, several weeks ago it started selling sweets from jars in the same way as Sweet Treasures.

Mr Plant said he had contacted City of York Council, which had told him that the change was in breach of a user clause in its lease.

A City of York Council spokeswoman confirmed that a tenant had been advised his new trading line was contrary to the terms of his lease agreement.

“He has been asked to change his main sale line to something that will not be conflict with the business of his neighbours or the lease of his tenancy.”

Jumaa Al Karaki, owner of Candy Shakes, said he operated in an open business market but was not intending to compete or be in conflict with neighbouring businesses or the council, and wanted to work in co-operation with them.

“I am trying to provide high-quality products at a reasonable price,” he said.

He said he was intending to make changes at the business next month.