SANTA GETS SACK BUT REFUSES TO GO QUIETLY

Less than merry over cost of retail village's new Father Christmas

- HARRY LEACH News Reporter

The new Santa

IT'S a ho-ho-no after Santa wars erupted at a Midland shopping centre.

Mike Ashcroft was much loved by families who visited him at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, near Cannock, over the last few years.

But the Fradley parish councillor has been axed as Father Christmas this year. Instead, the centre has employed a different Santa - and hiked the prices to see him.

Mr Ashcroft, who has donned the red suit for the Round Table for 40 years, said under his watch the outlet charged £5 for a grotto visit, a photo and a gifted chocolate which he described as "decent value".

But this year, he said, the cost had been increased and he has been given the boot.