POPPY sellers say they were left out in the cold by supermarket bosses who banned them from collecting money inside their store.

News Shopper was contacted last week by worried shoppers at Sainsbury’s in Locksbottom who told us that Royal British Legion volunteers were huddled against the rain and cold outside the supermarket.

When we visited the megastore near the Princess Royal University Hospital, a trio of collectors wrapped up in thick jackets told us they were not allowed inside under orders from Sainsbury’s management.

Poppy Appeal co-ordinator in Locksbottom and Farnborough, Christopher Hillier, claimed his volunteers were told to shake their tins outside, until Sainsbury’s staff eventually relented midway through last week and allowed them inside.

He said: “I think members of the public contacted the store and said it was a bit mean we had to stand outside in the driving rain.

“At this time of year the store is doing its best to maximise its profits. The foyer was rather cluttered.

“This is my first year doing this but next year I will hopefully be better equipped and things will be less traumatic for us."

He added: “The weather wasn’t much fun but at least we had permission to be there.”

News Shopper: Sainsbury’s in Locksbottom

Speaking on Monday (November 9), store manager Elliot Pilcher refuted the allegations and told us he never ordered the poppy sellers to remain outside.

He said: “We didn’t make that decision. We clear our diary to support them."

A spokesman from Sainsbury's HQ added: "We totally support the Royal British Legion and its annual Poppy Appeal.

"We invited the poppy sellers in to our store at Locksbottom where they sold poppies for most of the week."

Last year, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal collected £5,500 in Farnborough and Locksbottom.

This year, dozens of volunteers helped Mr Hillier to collect money outside Sainsburys from 8am to 6pm, on Monday to Saturday (November 2 to 7).

Christina Ribbens, 64, said she spoke to poppy sellers - raising vital funds for soldiers’ families - last Monday (November 2) who explained to her they had been told to stay outside.

She said: “It was throwing it down.

“I was disgusted. The manager needs pulling over the coals.

“Our boys are risking their lives and the people raising money for them aren’t even allowed inside.

“It’s not acceptable.”