CULT comedian Ali G has made a "massive" impact in Whitefield with his debut film's advertising campaign.

But one local businesswoman claims the posters advertising the funny man's new film "Ali G Indahouse" have got no "respect" for members of the public.

Mrs Celia Aaron, who owns ladies dress shop, Jill's, in Bury Old Road, was disgusted when a risque poster showing the comedian with his hand on the bottom of a naked femaleappeared outside her business on Monday (March 18).

The 15-rated film hits the cinemas this weekend and the offensive poster, which states: "Vote Ali G. Tax Da Panty", is one of a number of images promoting the movie.

Mrs Aaron said: "I open my door and it is right in my face! I am not normally easily offended but a poster like this is just lewd. A few of my customers were quite embarrassed about it, it is degrading to women."

Mrs Aaron added that young boys coming home from school were mimicking the Ali G pose after seeing the poster.

"It is obscene," she added, "I wanted to stick some newspaper over it but then I would get into trouble."

After complaining to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in London, Mrs Aaron was told that her complaint would be dealt with in the normal manner and any action could take a couple of weeks.

When the Bury Times contacted the ASA, the message was the same and they said they were "looking into the matter" but 24 hours after our call the poster had been removed.

A spokesman for the ASA said they had received around 60 calls of complaint nationwide since the posters hit the streets on Monday.

She added: "That is definitely a significant amount of complaints. All callers are advised to put their complaint in writing and we have contacted the advertiser, Universal International Pictures, for their comments."

But the removal of the poster might not be as popular with other traders on Bury Old Road, as many saw it as a bit of fun.

Philip Gordon, who owns baby equipment shop Cots and Prams, said: "None of my customers have mentioned it.

"I believe you are only offended by these things if you want to be offended."

Co-owner of Let's Fress Deli, Richard Cooper, said his customers had a sense of humour and would probably see the funny side, while hairdresser Pauline Hanley, who works for Jazz Hair and Beauty, laughed: "It's quite funny. If you watch Ali G then you are not going to be offended, but I can understand why some people are."