Posted on November 9, 2004

Sorry, Santa’s Grotto Go

Caroline Iggulden, Daily Sun (London), Nov. 9

BOSSES have banned Santa from a shopping centre — in case he offends non-Christians.

The Scrooges struck at Birmingham’s famous Bullring.

A spokeswoman said: “We wish to be sensitive to people of other religions over the festive period. There are a lot of people in the region who are not Christians and do not celebrate Christmas.”

James Lovell, of Santa training school the Ministry of Fun, said: “This is a great shame, as Santa is for everyone, regardless of religion.”

The Sun launched a Don’t Sack Santa campaign yesterday after stores on London’s Oxford Street also snubbed Father Christmas. Mean shop chiefs reckon he takes up too much room.

SANTA will also be missing from these shopping centres: Brent Cross, North London; Buchanan Galleries, Glasgow; Swansgate Centre, Wellingborough, Northants; Clayton Square, Liverpool; Prospect Centre, Bradford; Whitgift Centre, Croydon; Oracle Centre, Reading, Berks; Merry Hill Centre, Dudley, West Midlands.