Two city centre businesses have come out in support of the city’s gay community after activists from Pride in Canterbury complained there wasn’t enough for them to do.

The Canterbury Tales in St Margaret’s Street is offering 50 per cent off until June 30 to anyone with a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) affiliation card.

Centre manager Steve Beer said: "We welcome all sectors of society to our attraction.

"We offer visitors the chance to experience a fun and colourful re-creation of some of Chaucer’s famous work which can entertain and appeal to everyone."

Meanwhile, the newly-opened Bar Kandi in Orange Street is looking to organise gay-friendly nights.

Manager Brad Peto said: "If members of the LGBT community want to come down and have nights here, they are welcome to. We are open to everyone, it doesn’t matter what they are."

A new gay bar is also to open in King Street on June 5.

CO2 will open in the building which had most recently been the Scribes bar and lap-dancing venue.

It will be run by the same people who run the Queen Anne in Maidstone and Coyotes in Chatham.

Last week the Gazette reported members of Pride in Canterbury had made an official complaint to the local government Ombudsman accusing the city council of not doing enough to promote gay culture.

The city council refuted the claim, however, countering that it had done much to help the district’s gay community with money, help and use

of facilities, including backing Pride in Canterbury, and holding a gay open day at the council offices.

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