MP slams store's Poppy Day music

Mr Horwood said the shop needed to show some respect

The MP for Cheltenham says he is going to write to bosses of a clothing store after it played loud music during a Remembrance Day parade.

Martin Horwood said he would be writing to Peter Williams, Chief Executive of Jack Wills Ltd, following the incident.

He said staff at The Promenade turned the music off at 1100 GMT but turned it up before the parade was finished.

A Jack Wills spokesman said there had been a "misunderstanding" between its staff and those attending the service.

'Error of judgement'

"Unfortunately, the service had not finished at 11.30am, and the staff decided to switch the music on following a pre-agreed instruction.

"Clearly this was an error of judgment that caused offence to attendees at the service.

"Although this offence was not deliberate, Jack Wills would like to apologise unreservedly for any upset caused and will make every effort to ensure that mistakes like this are not made in future."

But the Liberal Democrat MP for Cheltenham said the shop needs to show some respect.

"Remembrance Day is a very solemn occasion... with many minds turning to the current conflict in Afghanistan and the continuing loss of British life there

"Clearly the staff have been told to honour the letter of their agreement with Cheltenham Borough Council, not the spirit of it.

"I think I need to get the message through loud and clear to their bosses that responsible companies don't behave like this.

"Local staff need to be told to act with sensitivity and respect," he added.