Halloween Decorations To Fund Cancer Research Deemed 'Too Scary' (PICTURES)

Too Scary? Cancer Fund Raiser Ordered To 'Tone Down' Halloween Display (PICTURES)

A cancer charity fundraiser has been ordered by police to tone down his Halloween decorations amid complaints they are making children cry.

James Creighton has been rolling out the Texas Chainsaw Massacre-themed showcase since losing his grandmother Betty to the disease three years ago.

In the last two years he has collected £1,100 through public donations for Cancer Research UK.

James Creighton has been using his Halloween decorations to raise funds for Cancer Research UK for three years

But the 25-year-old was paid a visit by police on Tuesday after a parent complained the display of corpses and skeletons were terrifying local children.

Creighton, of Stevenage, said: "I can't believe it to be honest - I can't see what I've done wrong!

"When the police turned up I don't think they knew what to say.

"They told me there had been a complaint and that I needed to 'tone it down' by taking some decorations down.

"I'm told someone walks by with young children and they are crying every time they see it.

"The police told me they want me to put a black tarpaulin across the bottom of the fence so children can't see it, but it spoils it for everyone else then.

Creighton says parents have complained the display is making their children cry

"It's not something I want to do to be honest.

"I will admit some of the things I've added to the house this year are quite gory - but that's the whole point of Halloween."

Creighton, who does promotional work for bars and clubs, also displays a big Cancer Research UK banner by the display, ensuring passer-bys are aware who he is raising money for.

Having raised more than £1,500 this year so far, he's now hoping to save what he can of his macabre pride and joy.

"I'm sure if the parent had come and spoken to me we could have come to a compromise," he said.

"I don't know why they felt the need to go to the police about it. It's so ridiculous it's almost funny."

"I've always loved Halloween and decorating the house was something that my nan and mum did for me when I was younger.

"So now I'm carrying it on in my nan's memory and just trying to do my best for her and the charity - it's an excellent cause."

A Hertfordshire Police spokesman said: "We have visited a resident of Grove Road in Stevenage concerning a Halloween display in his garden, following a complaint from a member of the public.

"We have offered words of advice."

To make a donation to Creighton, visit his house or log on here.

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