MEAN-spirited moaners have forced organisers of a Popy Appeal street collection to ditch a star attraction which annually helped them to rake in hundreds of pounds for the charity.
Mr John Girling’s WW2 Anderson Shelter has been a key element of the Driffield town centre fund raising effort for more than a decade.
Each year, it occupied the same slot on the main street, serenading shoppers with 1940s music played over a Tannoy system.
The shelter also featured a display of military memorabilia, but East Riding of Yorkshire Council has told the Royal British Legion that they cannot use the highway this year because of a complaint.
The Driffield RBL branch Poppy Appeal street collection is set to take place on Friday and Saturday November 9 and 10.
Secretary Mr John Forrester said the Anderson Shelter had been the feature of the Saturday event for many years and helped them to raise hundreds of pounds.
“I am disappointed,” he said. “It’s the big money draw on the Saturday when we pick up £400 to £600. I cannot see us getting that without it.”
“A lot of people said that they enjoyed the music and it is not that loud.”
Mr Simon Skelton of the Buck Hotel has kindly stepped in to allow a display of military memorabilia to be sited outside his pub.
But Mr Forrester said this would not include the Anderson Shelter.
“We could not find somewhere else to put it.”
Pocklington Carpets on George Street have also said that organisers can mount a similar display in front of their store providing alterations currently underway are completed. This display will include an old Austin 7.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council was asked to comment on the complaint. As the Driffield Times and Post went to press, no response had been received.
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See also page 3 for the timetable of the Poppy Appeal events