Swale Borough Council orders taxi firm to remove poppy tributes

iCars Swale, a taxi operator serving the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, has been ordered by Swale Borough Council to remove all poppy displays and ‘Lest We Forget’ signage from its vehicles. The council stated that the symbols constituted unauthorised displays under the borough’s licensing policy following a single complaint.

Neil McLennan, the owner of the firm, described the decision as ‘absolutely disgraceful,’ noting that the company was also instructed to remove names from three wheelchair-accessible vehicles used to assist passengers with dementia and learning disabilities. The company expressed its sadness over being forced to strip these tributes, emphasizing their ongoing support for veterans and the Royal British Legion.

Kevin McKenna, the Labour MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, has intervened in the dispute. He stated that his team has spoken with the operator and is working to find a resolution to the situation, defending the company’s service to the community and people with disabilities.