John Robinson, from Wellington, with the remains of remembrance wreaths

A Shropshire town council ordered more than a dozen poppy wreaths to be thrown in a skip just days after the annual Remembrance Day service, it was claimed today.

Wellington resident John Robinson said he was appalled after discovering the town council had ordered that the wreaths be thrown out for fear of them falling victim to vandalism by local youngsters.

Mr Robinson, who has lived in the town for more than 40 years, said the wreaths were usually left in place until early next year.

Howard Perkins, clerk at Wellington Town Council, confirmed the wreaths were removed for fear of being vandalised but added the policy would be revised for next year.

Mr Robinson said: “I spoke to the man who threw them out and he confirmed they put them in a bin bag and put it in a skip. He said he was following orders given to him.

“There are a lot of people who are totally disgusted by this – it’s appalling.

“They (Wellington Town Council) are saying these wreaths were vandalised last year and the council decided this year to throw them out, without telling anyone.

“What would happen if I threw the ones out at the Town Park because that area has vandalism? I would be arrested.

“It seems such a waste to chuck them into a skip. What might have been better would have been to put them at Wellington Cemetery on the railings.

“The town council led the parade on the Sunday and even laid a wreath.”

Mr Perkins said: “It is policy that they are removed relatively quickly because of the danger that they might be damaged.

“They are always left in the corner and they are vulnerable to damage.

“In the past they have been damaged and that would probably cause more distress to people than seeing them removed.

“Next year we will look at making alternative arrangements to make sure they are somewhere safe where people can still see them.”

Mr Robinson added: “It is very insensitive to do this and I’m thinking of boycotting it next year and going to Shrewsbury because I personally think it’s very distasteful. It is there for a purpose.”