Big blow for Santa (From Watford Observer)

Big blow for Santa

4:14pm Monday 4th December 2006

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A sorry-looking black boot is all that remains of the giant Father Christmas that has been climbing up the north face of The Harlequin shopping centre for the last four festive seasons.

Santa's ignominious end came on Sunday when he started to break loose of his moorings and had to be taken down for health and safety reasons in case his portly belly wreaked havoc on Watford's ring road.

Mike Stevens, The Harlequin's general manager, saw Mr Claus moving about more than normal on Friday. On Saturday, the strong gusts of winds caused his movements to get more pronounced and it was a sad day indeed for the people of Watford when the inflatable St Nick drank his last glass of sherry.

"He suffered deflation," Mr Stevens said matter-of-factly.

"He was flapping fairly wildly against the wall and our concern was that he might break free.

"He has been with us for four years so it's a sad day. He is a thing that you either love ot hate. Some people think it's tacky while others think it's a smile raiser. I am firmly within the camp who think he's a bit of fun."

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