IT has already sparked an argument that it offers “underwhelming” choice to festive shoppers.

Just days ago council leaders warned the operators of Southampton's Christmas market to “shape up or ship out” after being less than impressed by what it had to offer last year.

Now a fresh row has erupted over whether or not some stalls are embracing the spirit of Christmas with the goods they have for sale.

Among the clothes stalls offering slogan-branded t-shirts, handbags, or Christmas jumpers, one outlet has proved controversial with shoppers searching for gifts for loved ones.

The Hubbly Bubbly stand specialises in smoking accessories including ashtrays, an array of flavoured tobacco and pipes.

But more surprising is the vast array of colourful plastic and glass bongs on sale, some with cannabis leaf designs emblazoned across them, ranging in price from £2.50 to £15.

Southampton City Council leader Cllr Simon Letts, who warned market operators Southern Market Traders to make a “substantial improvement” on its offerings this year, said he has already received complaints about the stall and an investigation was now being launched.

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But Mohammad Mahmoud, who runs the stand which costs £5,000 to rent, told the Daily Echo said he was shocked as he defended what he sold.

He said he has operated a small trolley offering the same goods in the high street for the past three years.

Defending his stall, Mr Mahmoud, who lives in St Mary's, said he has operated a small trolley selling the same goods on the high street for the past three years and that everything was legal.

He said: “Everything is under control with the government and the police.

“I don't sell legal highs, I don't sell anything that's not allowed. I was here last year with no problems.

“If you tell me after I have spent my money that I am not allowed here I am going to be poor - it's going to kill me.”

Cllr Letts said there will be an investigation after “several” complaints and he will be raising the issue with market organisers.

He said: “What has this got to do with Christmas? Where is the spirit of Christmas?

“I am disappointed. The stalls are about celebrating Christmas and selling gifts for people but a lot of these stalls are just the same as the old markets we have got on a Friday.”

Today market organisers Southern Market Traders said it is happy for Mr Mahmoud to continue trading.

A spokesman for SMT said: ""We offer our stalls to our regular market traders first, Mohammed is a local regular trader and everything he sells on the stall is legal.

"We are happy for him to continue trading with us, his customer base enjoy his quirky offerings.”