Fire risk claim over door mats ridiculed

Residents in high-rise flats in west Leeds received letters from Leeds West North West Homes – Leeds City Council’s arm’s length housing management organisation – stating that potted plants and door mats should be removed from outside their flats because they are potential fire risks.

Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves has branded the policy as “ridiculous” and said that tenants in the flats in Bramley are being penalised for taking pride in the appearance of their properties.

The MP said: “I find it preposterous that West North West Homes are asking tenants to remove items such as door mats and pot plants from outside their doors while they review their policy.

“I am currently in the process of conducting a survey into living conditions in high-rise flats, following a sharp increase in constituents contacting me regarding poor conditions in the blocks, and the results so far have shown that there are serious problems with issues such as anti-social behaviour and cleanliness.

“I would rather see WNWH taking greater action to tackle these problems, which are negatively affecting the lives of the majority of decent tenants who abide by the rules, cause no problems and just want to live in a safe, clean environment.

“In my visits to high-rise flats including the Gambles, Burnsalls and Poplars recently many residents complained that they had received these notices and were incredulous that they were been asked to move these items, after years with absolutely no problems.

“I find it extremely hard to believe that a door mat or a pot plant could cause such a potential fire hazard.”