Thomas Bridge 08 December 2014

‘Offensive’ council estate Christmas card withdrawn

A Christmas card stating Santa must live on a council estate because of his ‘record for breaking and entering’ has been withdrawn.

Clintons Cards was forced to apologise this morning for stocking the card, labelling the move a ‘mistake’.

Further reasons for Father Christmas living in social housing detailed on the card included ‘he’s never actually been seen doing any work in his whole life’, ‘he drinks alcohol during working hours’ and ‘he gets letters from [a] lot of people, all demanding that he owes them things’.

Hundreds took to Twitter to voice their disapproval with the £2 card, branding it ‘snobby’ and ‘shameful’. However a number voiced their support for the card, describing it as ‘so funny’.

A statement from Clintons Cards on the company’s website said: ‘This card in our range has been withdrawn. It is in no way reflective of our views and we apologise without reservation.

‘We are investigating how this offensive card got through our quality control procedures, which we will review and tighten as a result of this incident. This was a mistake and we deeply regret the upset that this has clearly caused.’

The scandal came as councils were blasted as ‘Scrooge-like’ by pressure group The Christian Institute, after research suggested only half of councils in Britain send out greeting cards mentioning Christmas.

Findings published in the Telegraph also suggested that out of 200 polled town halls, only one was sending a card mentioning the birth of Christ.

Image: Clintons Cards

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner