Santa Claus could be avoiding parts of Tipton this year as organisers of an annual sleigh parade decide whether to leave out trouble spots where yobs have repeatedly attacked the fundraiser.

For the last two years running bricks have been thrown at Father Christmas during his street collections.

Things were so bad last year that a security guard went out on the festive fundraiser to protect Santa.

Tipton Community Association which organises the annual event said this year’s route had not yet been drawn up but group president Barry Whitehouse admitted staying away from some areas where trouble has been experienced in the past was a consideration.

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Santa Claus could be avoiding parts of Tipton this year as organisers of an annual sleigh parade decide whether to leave out trouble spots where yobs have repeatedly attacked the fundraiser.

For the last two years running bricks have been thrown at Father Christmas during his street collections.

Things were so bad last year that a security guard went out on the festive fundraiser to protect Santa.

Tipton Community Association which organises the annual event said this year’s route had not yet been drawn up but group president Barry Whitehouse admitted staying away from some areas where trouble has been experienced in the past was a consideration. “We haven’t finalised it yet but there are one or two areas we will need to look at,” he said. “There won’t be any security guards but we will be having extra people with us for safety advice.”

The group has been touring the streets of the town every December for a number of years. The parade raises hundreds of pounds for charity every year, with people knocking on doors as the motorised sleigh passes through the streets with its flashing lights and blaring Christmas music.

Mr Whitehouse said they hoped to finalise the route and all relevant safety measures by next week.