Elf and safety! Housing bosses ban families from hanging Christmas wreaths on their front doors because they are ‘a fire hazard’
- Radian Housing has banned the festive decorations in Southampton, Hampshire
- But disgruntled residents have accused it of ‘killing the spirit of Christmas’
- Southampton council banned doormats from properties recently as a hazard
Housing bosses have banned thousands of families from hanging wreaths on their front doors this Christmas because they are ‘a fire hazard’.
Radian Homes has been accused of ‘killing the spirit of Christmas’ after telling residents in Southampton, Hampshire, to remove the festive-decorations because they could ‘continue the spread of fire’ and ‘impede evacuation’.
Southampton council came down hard on doormats earlier this year, also branding them a fire hazard.
Radian Homes has been accused of ‘killing the spirit of Christmas’ after it banned wreaths from residents front doors because they could ‘impede evacuation’ and be a ‘fire hazard’. Pictured are angry residents Sheila Sheath, left, and Sue John
Thousands of families in Southampton, Hampshire, have been told they can’t have the festive decorations on their front doors
Disgruntled resident Jamal Angol said Radian had ruined yuletide cheer for his daughter, after she chose a wreath herself.
‘It’s ruining our Christmas as my daughter will be disheartened that the wreath she chose may get taken,’ he said.
‘We’re refusing to take it down. We were one of the first tenants when it was built, and have never been told to remove our decorations before.’
Resident in one of Radian’s properties for more than 16 years, Sheila Sheath, branded their decision ‘pathetic’ and said she can’t see how a festive wreath ‘can suddenly burst into flames’.
The leader of the Conservative Group on Southampton City Council, Councillor Daniel Fitzhenry, today urged Radian Housing, which provides 2,800 homes across the city, to reconsider the decision.
One of the housing blocks affected is Crossley place in Southampton. One resident said his child was devastated and that they were keeping the wreath up
Residents Jamal Angol and his partner Michelle are also angered by the ban. They have a star hanging out side their door
He said: ‘Whilst fire safety is a priority for everyone, stopping people who have put Christmas decorations up for years is beyond the common sense approach.
‘I ask Radian Housing to reconsider and justify their decision.’
Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture and Labour Councillor Satvir Kaur said: ‘All social landlords rightfully are taking fire safety far more seriously since the tragic Grenfell fire.
‘I respect decisions made by landlords that feel this is a necessary precaution.’
Sandra Theckston, assistant director of housing at Radian Group, said: ‘The festive period is a time to celebrate and we want all our residents to have a happy and safe Christmas.
‘Our policies are always designed in the best interests of customer safety, and our commitment to keeping communal areas clear applies at all times of the year including the holiday season.
‘This approach is based on the advice of fire and rescue services and ensures that communal areas are free of any items that could continue the spread of fire or impede safe evacuation of a building in the event of a fire.
‘We have taken, and continue to take, steps to communicate our policy to all our residents and appreciate their cooperation in helping to keep everyone safe by ensuring communal areas are kept clear all year round.’