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Shopping centre apologises after security stops Army Cadets from selling poppies

The shopping centre said it had previously suffered from bogus fundraisers

A SHOPPING centre has apologised after security stopped Army Cadets from selling poppies.

The teens, in uniform with IDs, said they were asked to leave the Meadows in Chelmsford, Essex, because they didn’t have permission.

Security at the Meadows in Chelmsford, Essex, stopped Army Cadets from selling poppies for the famous Royal British Legion appeal
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Security at the Meadows in Chelmsford, Essex, stopped Army Cadets from selling poppies for the famous Royal British Legion appealCredit: Rex Features

A guard went to check with management who approved but the cadets had left.

The local Royal British Legion said: “It was a complete and utter misunderstanding.

“The Meadows hadn’t been told they’d be inside.

“It was raining heavily by then.

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“I think staff were just being overly cautious.”

Meadows claimed it had previously suffered from bogus fundraisers.

A spokesman said: “The guard had to go double check with management but when he got the green light, they were gone.

“We are sorry for the misunderstanding.

“They are welcome back anytime.”

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