PARTS of Tipton are to be declared "no go" areas for Santa Claus because of attacks by stone-throwing yobs during his annual charity sleigh collection.
Officials of Tipton Community Association organise the December street collection each year to aid local charities.
Organisers said they had been forced to draw up a new route for the traditional fund-raiser which will steer clear of known troublespots. The boycott follows incidents during 2005 and again last year with yobs hurling abuse and missiles.
Even having a bouncer on his sleigh didn't stop thugs pelting Santa last Christmas - meaning the decision has now been taken to change the route, and police will also be keeping a special lookout for rowdies.
The collections which, last year, raised thousands of pounds for local causes, are to be held from December 3 to 24.
Community association president, Barry Whitehouse, said today: "We are working on a route for this year's collections and will be avoiding the areas where we believe we may have trouble.
"We feel we have to impose some sort of boycott to protect the safety of those involved in the collections.
"We shall also, once again, have a security guard to accompany the sleigh just in case there are any problems."
Mr Whitehouse said last year's collections raised about £6,000 which was shared between charities including the breast care clinic at Sandwell Hospital, Sandwell Lifeboat Association and a number of youth organisations.
"Hopefully we can improve on that this time," he added.
Tipton's seasonal festivities will be kicked off on Saturday December 1 at 12 noon in Owen Street with a switch on of its Christmas lights.
During the next five hours entertainment will be provided and a variety of trade and charity stalls will be staged.
