A SHOP’S new window message has gone down a treat with Maldon residents.

Meat & Spice of Maldon High Street often like to write quirky messages on their shop window, with their latest message concerning topless men.

Meat & Spice has been open for nearly a year in Maldon, starting out as a butcher but progressing to sell more vegetarian and vegan produce.

Their message to the public states that ‘unless you are Channing Tatum’ they ask if men could keep their shirts on whilst in store.

Saniyya Khan, Manager of Meat & Spice, said: “On hot days many stores will get male customers wondering through without a shirt on, and it can make some people quite uncomfortable.

“Elderly customers especially find it a bit off putting. While you’re on holiday in a sunny beach resort you expect it, but not down an English town’s high street.

“We didn’t want to upset anyone by demanding shirts be kept on and we like writing and drawing funny messages on our window, so we thought a light hearted joke would help.

“I’m not even a huge follower of Channing Tatum, but since we wrote it men have stopped at the door to put their shirt on before coming in, so we’re doing something right!”

Passing residents on the High Street found the message to be funny and a good way to ask people to keep themselves suitably covered.

James Bana, 24, from Heybridge, said: “It’s only a bit of fun, partial public nudity isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and gently advising people with a fun message like this causes no harm.”

Kiera Chapman, 56, from North Fambridge, said: “It can be a bit of a sight to see a lot of people walking around topless in the street, yes it’s hot but it can become uncomfortable for some people. A nice message like this will make people laugh and shouldn’t offend anyone.”

Alex Dodge, 40, from Maldon, said: “Some men, myself included, like to walk around shirtless on hot summer days, as in Britain it’s such a rarity, but sometimes when you’re around a lot of members of the public while shopping it may not always be appropriate.

“Little things like this help to remind people that while it’s great to be proud of your body, not everyone wants it in their face.”

George Bridgeman, 62, Maldon, said: “It’s nice to see a shop making a joke about it rather than being blunt and demanding all shirt be put on. It’s a much more productive way to tell people.”