A FORMAL complaint has been lodged against a North East shopping centre.
One man and three children were handing out presents near a shopping centre and were left embarrassed when they were told to leave.
Last month, Barry Jonas launched a present giveaway to struggling families in Darlington and delivered presents to 27 families, with help from Liam Anderson, Billy Stainthorp and Darren Aspey.
Read more: Why Santa's helpers were spotted in Darlington helping local families in need
Last Tuesday (December 21) Mr Jonas along with his daughters, 9 and 11, and his niece, 10, were handing out gifts, standing outside the Cornmill Centre on Prebend Row, near Waterstones and standing away from the doors to the shopping centre.
After 90 minutes a security guard told them to leave.
Read more: Darlington girl puts up with the cold and sleeps in tent in her own back garden
Mr Jonas said: “Up until then, loads of people including some Cornmill staff were telling us what a great thing we were doing and some had brought us hot chocolates as a nice gesture.
“I was shocked when he (the security guard) told us to leave.
“I couldn’t believe they (the Cornmill) would have a problem with us handing out selection boxes and stuff and we weren’t even in the building and they didn't have a problem when we did it last month.
“I could tell the security guard was put in a position he didn’t want to be in.
“It really took the shine off the day and made us feel deflated.
“The girls were really confused and upset when we were told to go.”
Read more: North East foodbank provides free hot meals for the needy on Christmas Day
As Mr Jonas and the children packed up and began to leave, several families challenged the security guard, and then a voice on the security guard's radio said they could stay after all.
Mr Jonas said: “At that point the girls were upset and I was embarrassed.
“The girls had put so much effort into wrapping these gifts.
“I’ve put in over £1500 doing this project, but this is going to put a sour taste on the whole project not just for me but for the kids because this is what they’ll remember, not the 100 children they’ve cheered up and that really upsets me. This was something to teach my children life lessons and show them what compassion is. Instead they’ve seen completely the opposite.”
Susan Young, centre manager at the Cornmill Centre said: “At the Cornmill we do value our customers and take all complaints seriously and, in line with our centre policy, I will contact Mr Jonas directly, advising him of the course of action being taken.”
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