FUNDRAISERS from a charity were left shocked and confused after being told they were no longer allowed to collect outside of a supermarket in Taunton.

The Taunton branch of the Salvation Army say they collect from kind customers each year in the run up to Christmas outside Sainsbury’s in Hankridge.

But this year, Lieutenant Theresa Torr says she was told by a staff member that policies had changed and national charities, including The Salvation Army, were no longer able to fundraise outside of the store.

A spokesperson from Sainsbury’s said this was not the case and that national and local charities are welcome to fundraise in their stores.

But Lt Torr said confusion surrounded the matter and collectors are still not sure where they stand.

“The former officer had been into the store to book our slot and was told that it was confirmed for this coming Friday and Saturday, she was told no paperwork was needed as it was in the diary,” she said.

“Sainsbury’s had been trying to get hold of me, but I panicked last week as I had heard nothing and wanted to check that everything was in place, but I was told that our slot had been taken and that we were not allowed to collect anymore.

“I know we are a national organisation, but the money from the collection would have been used locally for our Christmas present appeal and for our hampers for families here in Taunton.”

A Sainsbury’s spokesman said: “National charities are welcome to collect at our stores, as are the local charities and community groups we support.

“For example, the Royal British Legion recently had collections at the store and the Marie Curie charity will be collecting early in the new year.

“To ensure fairness we ask the charities to book a slot in advance and this works well.

“There are dates available in the new year and we hope the Salvation Army will contact the store to book one.”