Kebab seller rows with Oxford University college over food smell

London, Feb.3 (ANI): A kebab seller and Oxford University's Christchurch College are embroiled in a row over smells emanating from his van that distract students. Saeid Keshmiri's business has been moved away from the entrance of Christ Church, where he had based himself for the last 15 years.

Between the hours of 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. every day, the 62-year-old served kebabs, chips and burgers from "Sid's Kitchen" to those returning home late.

The college argued that the smell of the food was off-putting to students trying to sleep nearby and also encouraged drunken revellers.

It applied to Oxford City Council's licensing committee to revoke his licence but his van has instead been moved 200 yards further down the road in a compromise agreement, reports The Telegraph.Christ Church steward John Harris told a hearing at Oxford Town Hall: "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."

Keshmiri, however, insists that he has been providing a useful service."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," the paper quoted him, as saying.The council turned down the application, but urged Keshmiri to look for an alternative site in the city to avoid further controversy.

Despite the university's concern, students were supportive of Keshmiri. (ANI)