A Liberal Democrat-run council turned “Grinch” has threatened to remove Christmas wreaths from the front doors of residents’ homes.
Portsmouth City Council has told residents living in flats they can’t display festive decorations in hallways or on doors, citing safety concerns.
In a letter sent to one tenant, the local authority said they must take down their Christmas wreath or it would be removed by council staff, with a £25 charge to claim it back.
The letter read: “It has come to our attention that you are using the communal area to keep personal items such as a Christmas Wreath, a non-standard door number and a Christmas decoration.
“I spoke to you in order to explain that you will need to remove these items.
“Portsmouth City Council would like to remind you that you must not leave items in the communal areas.
“This is in line with your tenancy agreement, which you agreed to abide by and health and safety legislation which the City Council must abide by.”
The council’s housing service, Portsmouth Homes, issued “Grinchy” guidance to its tenants, warning against the display of “seasonal decorations”, lights and wreaths.
Residents were also told not to display Christmas lights in communal areas (file photo)
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It said: “Why we have to be a Grinch when it comes to Christmas decorations..We know it feels a bit ‘Grinchy’, but for everyone’s safety, your communal areas have to be kept clear at all times.
“This includes all communal areas such as, hallways, stairwells, landings, corridors and doors in enclosed spaces or upper floors.
“We love festive cheer, but we love keeping everyone safe more,” it added.
“So if our staff remove – or ask you to remove – decorations from communal areas, we promise it’s for your safety, and we ask that you please treat them with respect.”
Residents were instead advised to express their festive spirit by decorating inside their homes, on private balconies and on the inside of windows.
A Portsmouth City Council spokesman acknowledged the rules were “frustrating” for residents, but added they are “used by most housing providers” and are “designed to protect everyone and reduce hazards”.
Conservative Party Chairman, Kevin Hollinrake, said the local authority “needs to get a grip”.
“It is absolutely ridiculous that families are being threatened with fines simply for putting up a Christmas wreath,” he told LBC.
Residents were instead advised to express their festive spirit by decorating inside their homes, on private balconies and on the inside of windows.
A Portsmouth City Council spokesman acknowledged the rules were “frustrating” for residents, but added they are “used by most housing providers” and are “designed to protect everyone and reduce hazards”.
Conservative Party Chairman, Kevin Hollinrake, said the local authority “needs to get a grip”.
“It is absolutely ridiculous that families are being threatened with fines simply for putting up a Christmas wreath,” he told LBC.
“People should be free to celebrate Christmas without the Liberal Democrats playing Scrooge.
“Portsmouth City Council needs to get a grip and allow council tenants to enjoy the festive spirit.”