A growing number of campaigns have been launched to ‘Save Freddie’. the Skegness Tesco cat — with thousands already signing petitions.

Freddie, a friendly four-year-old feline, has become a familiar face greeting shoppers at the Tesco superstore. Some visitors to the town even pop to the store to see him before going to the beach.

However, he became the centre of multiple Change.org petitions after his box was reportedly removed from the foyer following a complaint.

One Change.org petition started by Freddie’s owner, Julie Maczynski, who lives close to the store, already has more than 2,000 signatures. Other felines in the town are also getting behind Freddie, with another campaign being launched by the Co-op Cat.

Campaings have been launched to save Freddie the Tesco Cat.

placeholder image — Campaings have been launched to save Freddie the Tesco Cat.

In spite of being given his marching orders, Julie told the Skegness Standard she has no plans to keep him indoors.

“Freddie has his routine and he enjoys going to see people at Tesco,” she said. “I’m not going to keep him in.”

Since the Skegness Standard broke the story, reaction has surged — with more than 700 comments on the Skegness Standard Facebook page.

Latest comments on petitions describe Freddie as “a beacon of joy and happiness for the residents of Skegness.”

Freddie (left) in the window at home waiting to go to Tesco and, right, happy days with a pal at the supermarket.

The petition adds: “Banning Freddie… has not only saddened his fans but has deprived the community of a figure who brings so much love and joy.”

Supporters are also calling for talks with store management to explore ways Freddie could safely continue his visits.

However, online reaction has also raised concerns about his safety near the busy store and car park. One resident wrote: “The most important thing is keeping him safe.”

Freddie’s fame grew last year, with his owner creating themed merchandise to raise money for the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.

Freddie hasn't got the memo and was back welcoming customers yesterday. Photo: Barry Robinson.

At the time, a Tesco spokesperson said: “Freddie the cat is something of a local celebrity… He is not allowed into the store itself but always seems very at home in the foyer, meeting the shoppers.”

At the time of writing, the Skegness Standard is still awaiting responses from East Lindsey District Council and Tesco.