How a seemingly innocent scene sent health and safety police into overdrive

RESIDENTS in a council tower block have been banned from decorating their landings, because it breaches health and safety.

Neighbours in 12-storey Logan Tower used colourful plants and carpets to "brighten the place up". Their displays included small tables and even a fish tank in the foyer to welcome visitors to the council-run building in Cambuslang, Glasgow.

But officials at South Lanarkshire Council said the displays breached health and safety regulations and ordered that they be removed.

Resident Alex Fleming, 60, said yesterday he had organised a display outside his home for his 82-year-old mother, Margaret,

but he had to remove it after receiving a letter from the council.

Mr Fleming, a full-time carer for his mother, said: "I couldn't believe it when the letter came. I've lived here for four years and the place hasn't been decorated by the council in that time, so we decided we would do it ourselves.

"Some had tables with plants and flowers. Other people simply had a carpet and a table to brighten the place up a bit. The paint is literally flaking off the walls, so it was just to try and decorate the place."

South Lanarkshire Council said the items had posed a fire hazard in the building and had breached health and safety regulations.

But Mr Fleming said: "If that was the case, then why did they remove a carpet and leave the tables outside one person's home?

"It's ludicrous. I had water coming in through one of my lights at one point, but nothing was done. Surely water mixing with electricity is a bigger breach of health and safety? Some of the stuff that was placed in the landing was clearly labelled as being fire-resistant. The council told us they were still a hazard, as someone could trip."

A spokesman for South Lanarkshire Council confirmed they removed the items and said it was their "legal duty" to ensure safety.

He said: "Sadly, fire claims many lives in the home each year. We have a legal duty to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents within our residential multi-storey flats, and to ensure all shared access and exits are kept free and that no combustible materials are in these areas.

"Advice from our health and safety specialists and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service is that items such as rugs and plants should not be placed or stored in any common areas, including the foyer, landing or stairwell.

"We appreciate that residents respect their homes and wish to make the flats attractive places to live. Unfortunately, we cannot allow items to remain in the common areas and will be seeking the co-operation of residents to ensure the safety of everyone."