This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-46607686
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Santa removed from Tamworth Smyths shop in photo dispute | Santa removed from Tamworth Smyths shop in photo dispute |
(5 days later) | |
A man dressed as Santa Claus said he was asked to leave a toy shop while buying presents. | A man dressed as Santa Claus said he was asked to leave a toy shop while buying presents. |
Rob Bowker and Santa's Little Helpers were using £1,500 donated by people in Tamworth to buy toys for four families in Smyths on the Ventura retail park. | Rob Bowker and Santa's Little Helpers were using £1,500 donated by people in Tamworth to buy toys for four families in Smyths on the Ventura retail park. |
However, he said he was escorted out by security, despite explaining why he was there. | However, he said he was escorted out by security, despite explaining why he was there. |
Smyths Toys said staff had thought he and a photographer had taken pictures without permission, but the company later agreed with Mr Bowker this was not the case. | |
Mr Bowker said it was the second year he had run a collection for families who have ill children. | Mr Bowker said it was the second year he had run a collection for families who have ill children. |
He said he was told one child would be at the store on Monday, when the families were picking the gifts, and decided to say hello. | He said he was told one child would be at the store on Monday, when the families were picking the gifts, and decided to say hello. |
However, he was approached by a security guard who asked him to leave. | However, he was approached by a security guard who asked him to leave. |
When he spoke to a manager, she told him he was not allowed to take photographs. | When he spoke to a manager, she told him he was not allowed to take photographs. |
"I said 'I'm not here to take any photographs, I'm here to buy the toys for the children'," Mr Bowker said. | |
He said he had only intended to take pictures outside, to show to people who donated, but was approached by a shopper who asked to take a picture with her baby on her mobile phone. | He said he had only intended to take pictures outside, to show to people who donated, but was approached by a shopper who asked to take a picture with her baby on her mobile phone. |
Mr Bowker said he had "no row" with the shop and still intended to return next year. | Mr Bowker said he had "no row" with the shop and still intended to return next year. |
Smyths said it had offered to donate toys to Birmingham Children's Hospital as a gesture of goodwill. | |
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone. | Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone. |
Previous version
1
Next version