Pot plants and carpets removed in safety drive

A council raided a row of flats in the Black Country – and stripped the landings of carpets and pot plants in a health and safety drive.

People living in the nine blocks of low rise flats in South Road, Stourbridge – many of them elderly – are outraged and upset after the move by Dudley Council.

They watched as the carpets and plants in the communal areas were piled up on the lawn outside to await collection.

And some of the plants disappeared quickly as passers-by took advantage of the windfall.

Dudley Council had warned some of the 36 council tenants and flat owners in a letter sent on behalf of the housing manager for Norton, to remove items such as furniture, carpets, curtains and plants – except for those in non-flammable pots – within 14 days or face having them taken away.

"It's ridiculous – health and safety gone berserk," said 81-year-old Beryl Haden, whose carpet she had fitted outside her flat more than 20 years ago was among the victims.

Councillor Adrian Turner, cabinet member for housing, said: "Properly fitted carpets have not been removed and we will address the issue to alleviate concerns around potential slippery floors."