A LACK of Christmas decorations in the British Heart Foundation’s charity shops were blamed on ‘health and safety’, according to a disappointed customer.

Darlington pensioner Vivienne Hall was appalled when staff and managers told her it had been a ‘head office’ decision not to decorate the charity shops – for health and safety reasons.

While Christmas shopping recently, Ms Hall noticed a lack of decorations at the charity’s shops in Darlington and Newton Aycliffe and – upset by the disappointing affair - made it her business to find out exactly what was going on.

The 64-year-old said: “I was absolutely disgusted when shopping at the British Heart Foundation shop in Newton Aycliffe – the first thing I noticed was a lack of anything Christmassy.

“I overheard a member of staff asking a manager what to do next and I told her she should go upstairs and look for a nice Christmas tree and decorations to make the place look festive.

“She said they weren’t allowed so I contacted the area manager and apparently head office told all the shops not to put up any decorations.

“They said it’s for health and safety reasons, maybe someone will trip over the decorations – that’s the excuse for everything these days.

“I thought it was absolutely horrendous as we’re living in a Christian country where people celebrate Christmas.

“It’s the same situation in Darlington and there’s no Christmas spirit at all.”

A spokeswoman for the British Heart Foundation declined to answer specific questions regarding health and safety concerns and how they may relate to Christmas decorations.

Diane Locke, deputy retail director for the charity, said: "Every Christmas our shops are full of Christmas cards, Christmas gifts, toys and party outfits which give them a real festive feel."