11/12/2009 - Arcade sorry for 'no-hood' incident
Bosses at a shopping centre have apologised for "any stress" they might have caused a pensioner who was asked to lower the hood of her anorak for breaching a "no hood policy".
Cambridge's Grand Arcade issued a statement saying sorry after 84-year-old Peggy Harden was chastised by a security guard.
The arcade said it operated a "no hood policy" to "ensure a safe and enjoyable shopping experience for everyone".
Mrs Harden, who walks with the help of a stick, said: "I was quite amazed. If I had done something I don't think I could have run very far."
A local newspaper reported the incident in which Mrs Harden had been approached while walking with husband Desmond, also 84.
The arcade, which uses pictures of models wearing hooded tops in its advertising blurb, issued a statement headed "Hood Policy".
"Grand Arcade has a 'no-hood' policy within the centre. This is to ensure a safe and enjoyable shopping experience for everyone," said the statement.
"However, it is not our intention to cause any upset and we apologise for any stress this may have caused.
"We are reviewing our policy to ensure the safety and well-being of all our customers."
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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