Dad barred from shopping centre Santa role over home decoration row

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 08:20 · Archive

A volunteer Father Christmas has been removed from his role at a shopping centre after painting a Union Flag on his house.

Simon Brocklehurst, 42, has been told he will no longer volunteer as Father Christmas at Idlewells Shopping Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, a role he has held for four years. He says he is 'gutted' at the decision. Brocklehurst painted a Union Flag on the front of his house after his England flag was ripped down, saying he wanted to represent the 'freedom' his grandfather fought for in the Second World War.

Brocklehurst funds his Santa operation entirely from his own pocket and has spent £1,500 on festive displays including a giant inflatable snow globe and a model village. He buys the presents he hands out himself and volunteers without payment to raise money for local charities.

Centre bosses have strongly denied that the ban relates to his home decoration. Jason Truscott, manager of Idlewells Shopping Centre, said the decision 'has nothing whatsoever to do with the Union Jack displayed' on Brocklehurst's property, instead citing a new 'neutral' policy. Brocklehurst believes the removal is directly connected to how his home looks.

How it is being reported

• Dad who painted Union Jack flag on his house stripped of job as shopping centre SantaLocals didn't take well to Simon Brocklehurst's decision to turn his Nottinghamshire home into a huge Union Jack - and now he's been told his Santa services are no longer requiredThe Mirror · 25 Oct, 07:53
• Dad who painted Union Flag on house told he can't be shopping centre's SantaDevastated dad Simon Brocklehurst has spent £1,500 on festive displays, but shopping centre bosses axed his grotto under a new "neutral" policy.Daily Express · 24 Oct, 12:35

In this story: Simon Brocklehurst · Idlewells Shopping Centre · Sutton-in-Ashfield · Nottinghamshire · Jason Truscott

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