Fir flies over flats tree ban
Festive residents who decorate the lobby of their tower block with a communal Christmas tree were told they could not do so this year – for health and safety reasons.
People living in Brookview, Smethwick, have been putting the 5ft tree in the corner of the lobby for the past 14 years.
They were told it had to come down this year as it was a hazard.
But last night they were told it could stay after the Express & Star called Sandwell Council to investigate.
Retired carpenter Victor Leighton put the tree up yesterday. The 60-year-old said: "I put the tree up and then the caretaker knocked on the door.
He said he had been in touch with the housing adviser and the tree had to come down as it was a fire hazard.
"The tree has brightened up the lobby for the past 14 years and it brings festive cheer to all the residents."
Today, Councillor Mahboob Hussain, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and housing, said there was no blanket ban on trees or decorations.
Councillor Hussain said: "I visited Brookview flats with the council's deputy leader, Councillor Steve Eling, and officers immediately after I was told of this case. I have seen the tree myself and there is absolutely no problem with it remaining.
"It's on the ground floor, it's not blocking anything and there are no trailing cables or anything like that. I have therefore given instructions that the tree should stay.
"Of course, we have a duty to do all we can to protect our tenants from fire hazards and we do that as responsibly as we can.
"But we must also bear in mind the need to act with common sense and treat each case on its merits. "I have asked Sandwell Homes to look into exactly what was said to the tenant so I can consider what lessons may need to be drawn."
