A new petition has been launched to get beloved tabby cat Freddie back in the Skegness store for his adoring fans. At time of writing the petition is approaching 5,000 signatures.
The petition, which was shared on local Facebook pages, says the charming little moggy has been a big draw at the Skegness branch. His warm personality and can-do attitude have delighted both staff and customers. The enchanting feline is a “cherished part” of the community’s daily experience.
According to the petition, “many locals and visitors alike look forward to their interactions with Freddie, who is known for his friendly demeanour and infectious energy.”
Banning him from the store has left many in the community deeply saddened. Campaigners say that banning “Freddie from Skegness Tesco has not only saddened his fans but has deprived the community of a figure who brings so much love and joy.”
Freddie is a local hero who brings “widespread affection and happiness”.
An outpouring of community support from Freddie fans
On Facebook and on the petition page people share their feelings about Freddie. One local Skegness resident describes him as “lovely!” and that when they “go to Tesco’s in Skeggy, he’s always been a delight and he keeps himself to himself. Let him come back, he makes people’s days, we need that in a place that is all doom and gloom.”
A Corby resident says, “Freddie is one of the main reasons so many of us go to Tesco in Skegness. I’ve never really been a cat person but Freddie is so special & brightens so many people’s days!”
One mentions how Freddie helps their anxiety. “Freddie helps me with my anxiety when I am going in and out of the supermarket.”
Another Freddie fan shared their disappointment with, “he’s not my particular store’s cat, we had one who we all loved and a new manager said he had to go, I don’t want to see Freddie go the same way. I love cats generally anyway so I am biased but I have loved seeing Freddie when I’m over that way, and he obviously loves greeting customers too!”
Meanwhile another commentator explains how having Freddie in the store is not an issue:
“I can’t see any issues here, there is no food kept in the entrance, it is separated by the main doors, he sleeps in a box and gets some fuss from people before they go into the store.”
To find a compromise that will allow Freddie back in the store, the campaigners have proposed a meeting to discuss options with the store’s management. They say, “we propose a meeting with the store management and the community to discuss possible solutions that will allow Freddie to return. This could include implementing specific guidelines or scheduled visit times to ensure that his presence is both welcomed and manageable.”
When asked for a comment, the official response from Tesco was this:
“Freddie is very much part of the community at our Skegness Superstore and we know how fond customers and colleagues are of him. As a responsible food retailer, it’s essential that we prioritise food safety and public health and adhere to all relevant regulations. For these reasons, we ask customers not to bring Freddie inside the main store, and colleagues will gently guide him back outside if he does wander in.”
Further info:
“Freddie has a loving home and owner so we are clear that customers shouldn’t feed him. They can support animals in need by donating to Skegness & District Cats Protection or other animal charities.
To comply with food safety laws, animals are not permitted in areas where food is prepared, handled or stored to prevent contamination and ensure the public health of our customers.”
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