...and the rest.
But it's a while since there's been one of these articles.
And if only it was so easy to complain to your council about something or other and get them to crack the whip like this
Swale council slammed for ordering iCars taxis to remove Remembrance poppies and Royal British Legion stickers from carshttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/ ... -a-344322/A local authority has been lambasted for ordering a taxi firm to take Remembrance poppies and ‘Lest We Forget’ signs off its vehicles.Swale council contacted iCars boss Neil McLennan on Monday afternoon to tell him to ditch the items honouring those who served in the armed forces.
Image: Kent OnlineThe 55-year-old says he was stunned by the instruction - a feeling shared by Sittingbourne and Sheppey’s MP and a prominent borough and county councillor.
A licensing officer phoned Neil after receiving a single complaint about advertising on his wheelchair accessible cab - telling him he was using unpermitted “advertising”.
The magnetic sticker, featuring military vehicles, a Union Flag and the phrase Lest We Forget, was under the rear number plate while the poppy was on the grill of the Ford Freedom, named Connie.
Neil, who operates out of Kings Road, Minster, says the stickers and poppies have been on some of his fleet of 11 cabs for around four years.
He said: “I was in disbelief when I received the phone call. I just thought it was ridiculous and I was disgusted.”
Images: Kent OnlineThe dad-of-three says he tried to explain the items were in place to raise awareness for the Royal British Legion (RBL), but the council officer would not budge.
Swale’s rules state that cabs are allowed to display the company telephone number, email address and fleet car number along the bottom of the rear window with a maximum height of 50mm.
No other advertising, including radio stickers, football stickers or any other signs are permitted.
Neil, who started his business 11 years ago after being a taxi driver himself, added: “We took them off 10 minutes after the call but told the council I was going to go public with what they had told me.
“It’s shameful. I am not a veteran but feel strongly about supporting those who have fought to protect us. That came from when I met veteran Simon Weston [who was badly burnt in the Falklands Conflict].”
Lining up behind the company boss, Cllr Richard Palmer (Ref) says he is writing to council chiefs demanding an urgent explanation.
Himself a former soldier who served in Northern Ireland, he feels offended by the decision.
He said: “It is absolutely disgraceful that a council would order people to remove such things which honour those who served. The council should apologise.”
Meanwhile, MP Kevin McKenna (Lab) said: “Veterans gave so much to defend the freedoms we enjoy today, so it is disgraceful Swale council is asking iCars to remove the poppy from its taxi fleet.
“iCars has proudly supported this cause for three years, while doing incredible work for the Island, providing an important, reliable taxi service for everyone and an invaluable service for people with disabilities.
“They do not deserve to be penalised in this way. I have written to the council urging them to reverse this decision, and I’ll be doing everything I can to help find a fair resolution.”
Along with the poppies and RBL stickers, Neil was also told to peel off names from his cabs.
These are used to make it easier for people with dementia, learning difficulties or disabilities to know what car is picking them up.
He added: “The council should change their policies so the RBL stickers and poppies are allowed. I hope they see sense and reverse their mad decision.
“I would like to know why someone complained. I would ask them what their problem is with supporting our veterans?”
The council has withdrawn its demand for the name stickers to be removed.
A spokesman said: “Our licensing team has been allowing the use of the poppy and Royal British Legion sticker on iCars’ taxis.
“However, following a complaint, we checked the use against our policy, and it is not permitted under our Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.
“The policy was most recently updated and agreed in 2025 by our licensing committee and policy and resources committee, following a public consultation which included feedback from the taxi industry.
“The issue is not about the poppy or the Royal British Legion, which the council supports, but the fact that we received a complaint that the vehicle was not complying with our policy.
Image: Kent Online“We are aware that iCars has removed the sticker and poppy, and we are scheduling a licensing sub-committee meeting to discuss [its] request for an exemption from policy.
“The next licensing committee meeting will also look at the policy to make sure that there is clarity on this issue.”
Meanwhile, a Facebook post from Neil about the matter had received almost 200 comments at the time of writing.
Jamie Collins said: “Swale council should be focusing on giving people better services rather than worrying if some people may be offended. Who exactly would be offended?”
Jackie Constable said: “[It’s] disgraceful that someone has complained. This is not an advertisement; it’s showing respect to those who fought for our freedom. [It’s] so wrong on every level.”
And Wendy Hiller added: “Disgraceful request by the council. Let’s hope this gets resolved and poppies go back on your vehicles. Why has the council stated this is advertising?”
Login
Register
FAQ
