Santa’s Dunstable summer holiday sparks Facebook fury

Published on 30/08/2012 10:39

The school summer holidays have not yet finished, but a supermarket “Santa’s Grotto” in Dunstable has been blasted as “irresponsible” by parents.

The tinsel-clad arrangement at the front of Asda in Court Drive bears a sign inviting children to “guess who is on his way” – despite Father Christmas’ visit not being for another 116 days.

Shocked parents and customers flocked to Facebook to flood the Gazette’s page with comments.

Facebook users Carey Adams said: “Kids love the build up to Christmas but after 124 days of “are we there yet?” I would imagine even they would be getting hacked off.”

Amy Lavin said: “That’s cruel, children have no concept of time if I took Harry tomorrow he would be so excited and I would not be able to explain that its four months away.”

Julie Tubby said: “Ridiculous – it’s a lovely time near Christmas to have Santa visits – it’ll spoil it if kids can see Santa from August.”

The supermarket giant defended the temporary move, and said it was part of a savings drive for parents worried about affording Christmas.

A spokesman for Asda said: ‘Sadly, Christmas hasn’t come early in our stores this year –the grotto is just a bit of fun in a few of our stores this week as part of promotion for our Christmas Savings card.”

To see the full Facebook reaction click here.

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Santa’s Dunstable summer holiday sparks Facebook fury

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