by Rebecca Hannant
The owner of a cat that has become famous for greeting customers at Hornsea’s Tesco has said she is saddened after the store banned him over health and safety concerns.
For the past three years, Lincoln has been a regular sight in the foyer of the store, amusing staff and shoppers alike. His fame even led to him getting his own Facebook page which has been shared worldwide.
However, Tesco has now said its staff are being encouraged to shoo Lincoln out if they see him, prompting an outcry from his fans.
His owner, Lorraine Clarke, said: “I have heard conflicting info from Tesco. My husband spoke to the duty manager at the weekend who said he had no issue with Lincoln being in the foyer. Then two days later a female manager said he was banned from the foyer.
“Lincoln’s impact on the community of Hornsea and way beyond Hornsea is massive. People love him and he brings so much joy. He eases people’s anxieties and people genuinely come to the store just to see the cat.”
Lincoln has recently released his own calendar, Lincoln the Tesco Cat, in aid of Cats Protection and Hornsea Inshore Rescue.
Lorraine added: “My husband and I feel quite saddened by this latest turn of events. We are raising money for two charities through his calendar, and it now seems the title of it is no longer appropriate.”
Lorraine, along with the community and Lincoln’s fans, are now appealing for him to be allowed to return to Tesco.
She added: “The local media are all running with the story and hopefully Lincoln will be made more welcome back in the foyer at Tesco. We cannot stop our cat going there and so not want him manhandled out of the foyer.
A spokesperson for Tesco said: “We appreciate Lincoln the cat is somewhat of a local celebrity and many of our colleagues and customers like to see him at our Hornsea Superstore. However, for health and safety reasons, if he makes his way inside, our colleagues will gently encourage him out again.”
