A parcel locker put in front of a blue plaque dedicated to the memory of a Warwick-born boxing legend has been moved after its owner was labelled insulting by the town's MP.

MP for Warwick and Leamington Matt Western had blasted the "disgraceful" decision to place an InPost locker in front of the memorial to Dick Turpin outside Sainsbury's.

The plaque, unveiled last November, is dedicated to the champion boxer who became the first black athlete to win a title in any British sport.

Mr Western had called for immediate action from InPost saying: "The long-fought-for blue plaque for legendary Warwick-born boxer Dick Turpin has been completely covered by a cumbersome post collection locker.

"The company InPost must act immediately to remove the locker. Sainsbury's management must liaise with the firm to find a new spot for it.

"The actions of InPost are an insult to his memory, his legacy, his brothers and the rest of their family and to the boxing community of Warwick and Leamington."

Following the Labour MP's comments, the locker was removed yesterday (September 21).

Sainsbury's has apologised for the "genuine mistake".

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A store spokesperson said: "We are very sorry that these lockers were installed in front of Dick Turpin's blue plaque at our Warwick Superstore.

"This was a genuine mistake that occurred as part of a wider roll-out plan and the lockers have now been removed while we find an alternative location for them.

"We are also taking the opportunity to re-review all of our installation plans with InPost to ensure this doesn't happen again at any of our stores."

Michael Rouse, CEO of InPost International said: "We would like to apologise for any hurt caused to Dick Turpin's family by incorrectly locating our lockers in this instance.

"We worked urgently to rectify the mistake and have now removed our lockers from this location.

"We remain committed to providing a sustainable, efficient service for our customers across the UK."

Following the removal yesterday Mr Western added: "While the firm's quick response is welcome, there are still questions to be answered to ascertain how this could have been allowed to happen in the first place.

"Along with responding to InPost, I have written to the chief executive of Sainsbury's asking similar questions so the public can understand why such mistakes were made.

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"I am grateful for the apology issued by InPost and expect a similar one from Sainsbury's.

"Though the staff members in Warwick I've heard from have profusely apologised to the Turpin family, which is very welcome.

"Labour town and district councillor Dave Skinner was on hand to see it removed and talk with Sainsbury's staff. He first demanded it was removed more than two weeks ago."

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