A TOP funeral director who rented a stall at a shopping centre, was turfed-out by managers because his image didn’t fit their vibrant and happy atmosphere.

John Weir was left flabbergasted when management at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, told his staff they would have to pack up and leave just half an hour after they arrived.

Mr Weir made the booking months ago for a total of four days, but when his staff turned up on Wednesday they were told they would have to leave.

Mr Weir said: "I couldn’t believe it. The stall is very professional and we were told it was not in keeping with what the centre wanted, it wasn’t the image they were looking for.

"I spoke to Ron Kemp, the centre manager, and we reached a compromise and were allowed to stay for the rest of the day, but I’ve been left disappointed by the whole thing.

"I don’t know why it wasn’t appropriate; similar stands have been well-received by shoppers in similar centres up and down the country, but the management decided against it."

Mr Kemp admitted that the stall should never have been booked.

He said: "We want our centre to be a vibrant, happy, friendly place which attracts young people. Having a stall selling funerals just doesn’t fit in with that."

Mr Weir will be given a full refund by the centre.