A gun shop sited near two schools and a sweetshop used by children was given permission to stay open despite massive protests from parents, teachers, councillors and MPs.

The Gazette reported that owner Bahadir Niazi would now be free to display firearms and other weapons in the window of his Albion Road shop, Albion Arms International, thanks to a late intervention by environment secretary Nicholas Ridley.

A public inquiry had been demanded by neighbours who believed the business was unsuitable for the area. They claimed it could become an armoury for local villains, and would have a bad influence on children by glamourising weapons.

Stoke Newington MP Diane Abbott said: “How can they allow this shop to stay in business when local people are so strongly opposed to it?”

Mr Niazi said: “I’m very pleased at the decision. Now perhaps the council will leave me alone.”