Garage-fixing Noddy should go back to Toyland

ABERDEEN Council may be suffering a spending squeeze.

But that's no reason for the squeeze it has put on those using its refurbished garages. Residents whose garages have been subject to a council make-over now find that even with cars as small as Noddy's, Big Ears would have problems getting in and out. The garages have been built to a specification that may have suited the 1950s Morris Minor but leave the owners of today's wider cars hemmed in. What's worse, because of the larger bricks being used, the garage entrances have become smaller.

Council officials say that while the entrances have become narrower, the new garages are taller. By this bizarre logic drivers could climb out of their cars through the sun roof or scramble out like Jenson Button. There's only one flaw in this cunning plan: the entrances aren't wide enough for cars.

It may be that the council wants a clampdown on cumbersome extras such as doors and wing mirrors. Or it may be pioneering a new type of car altogether – just like Noddy's and with pedals instead of an engine. The solution seems obvious enough: when refurbishing garages, always ensure cars can actually get in.

And here are some other top building tips for any inspectors wondering about the purpose of basic constructions – bedrooms should have room for a bed and space should be allowed in sitting rooms for seats.