|
|
Conman’s Poppy ‘collection’
A PENSIONER who has collected hundreds of pounds for the Poppy Appeal has been angered by a conman who targeted her loyal supporters by carrying out a bogus door-to-door collection.
Over the past 20 years, pensioner, Gladys Parker of Ashen Road, Clare has carried out a yearly door-to-door collection on behalf of the Birdbrook branch of the Royal British Legion. Annually her 30 or so neighbours along Ashen Road have given generously towards the appeal, but this year they have been hit in the pocket by a trickster who claimed he was helping his elderly and disabled mother.
People living in Ashen Road were shocked when a young man knocked on their doors on the afternoon of Friday 26 October, asking for donations towards the Poppy Appeal. They were surprised when Mrs Parker, whose late husband Stanley was an Army and Navy war veteran, was not doing the collection.
When challenged by curious residents, the bogus collector said he was doing the round on behalf of his elderly and disabled mother who lived in Clare and was unable to do it herself. The kind-hearted residents proceeded to give their money, believing it was being donated to the Poppy Appeal.
However, suspicions were raised when a member of the neighbouring Clare British Legion spotted the young man doing the collection and approached him. When confronted and asked whether he realised he was not officially allowed to carry out a door-to-door collection until the 27 of October, the conman fled.
Mrs Parker was horrified when she was informed about the incident and immediately called the Police, who are now investigating the incident. She said: “Every year I do the collection along Ashen Road, and I am appalled by this occurrence. People have been very supportive and generous over the years and it is not fair that they should have been tricked this way”.
“I think this person is wicked to con these generous people and spoil such an important appeal. People gave their lives in the war and this is such an act of disrespect”, said Mrs Parker. She added: “Thankfully the people in Ashen Road have accepted what has happened and have still made donations to the genuine Poppy Appeal, raising approximately £50.00”.
A spokesman for Essex Police said that the matter was currently being investigated.
Photo: Michael Hall
Date : 02-11-2001
|
|
|
