Bah humbug! Dudley Council accused of 'killing the magic of Christmas' amongst its tenants after letter
Bosses at Dudley Council have been accused of being 'Christmas Killjoys' after banning decorations and wreaths in communal areas of properties
A letter went out to tenants of council properties yesterday (Tuesday) saying decorations and other items in shared areas can become a safety risk in the event of a fire.
The letter said: "The safety of all residents is our prime concern and therefore to keep everyone safe please follow these rules.
"Door mats, decorations, wreaths or any personal items place in corridors, landings or other shared spaces may be a trip hazard and fire hazard and that residents have 14 days to remove them.
Members of the Stourbridge Nextdoor app and website reacted to the letter by questioning its timing and pointing out that fire resistant wreaths and mats are available.
Margarita Aldis from Stourbridge said: " I had a letter giving me 14 days to remove my wreath. Christmas will be over by then so wreath will be gone anyway. Merry Christmas everyone."
Amar Sharma from Halesowen accused the council of being Killjoys, saying: "Keeping moaners and people who oppose Christmas happy."
Jayne N from Quarry Bank commented: "What is the matter with folk? Anyone know what time we can start breathing?"
And Karen Breeze from Kingswinford said: "Gosh, was like that under Sandwell Council 30 years ago. Get non slip, fireproof ones and invite them to take you to court over them. Then you can make a real issue of existing problems in the flats as there will be ones depending on the age of them."
The council said the notice had been posted unter the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977 and that items may be disposed of with the tenant charged for the removal cost.
Councillor Ian Bevan, cabinet member for Housing and Homelessness, said:
“The safety and wellbeing of our tenants is always our first priority, with the festive period being no exception.
“We have a duty to ensure our buildings are safe and we recently wrote to tenants who live in flats to remind them that communal areas must be kept clear as items left can become a fire or trip hazard.
“We continue to welcome feedback from all our tenants and hold regular Tenants and Residents Association meetings dates of which are detailed on our website”
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