Firm pledges to take down 'Walking Dead' ad at funeral parlour

The siting of the advertisement for The Walking Dead, a post-apocalyptic television horror show, sited next to The Co-operative Funeralcare raised eyebrows in Consett, County Durham.

Web designer Greg Coltman, 35, of Saxon Terrace, Consett, said: “At first I thought it was quite funny, but when I thought about I realised some people could take offence.”

Susan Jones, from the Willow Burn Hospice, near Lanchester, said that while some people may see the funny side, others would not.

She said: “There must have been somewhere else they could put it that would have shown a degree of insight and sensitivity.”

Mrs Jones said grieving families could be upset by seeing the advert for the US drama, which is about hordes of undead chasing a gang of survivors. She said: “Emotions can be pretty raw when people are recently bereaved.

“Words like ‘death’ and ‘dead’ can be very difficult. If you encounter this just as you are going to the funeral service to make arrangements for a loved one, it could be very upsetting.

“People of a certain age group could find it particularly challenging.”

Councillor Owen Temple, who represents the Consett area on Durham County Council, said he was aware of the billboard, but had not received any complaints.

He said: “Some will be amused, but some may be offended. It left me unmoved.”

A spokesman for The Co-operative Funeralcare said its premises in Consett were leased. He said: “It is disappointing that we were not consulted as this advert could cause unnecessary distress.

“When the billboard site was erected, we were assured that no insensitive adverts would be featured.”

The company responsible, Clear Channel, has agreed the advert is inappropriate and has promised to remove it.

A spokesman said: “Clear Channel apologises for any offence caused by the unfortunate juxtaposition of this advertisement, which was certainly not intended.

“We have arranged to have it moved right away.”