A council has told a local homeowner his flowerpots are illegal – but he says he only put them outside to brighten up his street.
Peter Langdon, 57, had set down some containers filled with primroses, alliums and tulips on the pavement next to his home in Hamble, on the south coast.
But the council told him that his floral display constituted an unlawful obstruction under the Highways Act 1980.
His Grade-II listed home is hundreds of years old – and Mr Langdon said the flowerpots were needed to improve the poorly-maintained street outside.
The 57-year-old said neighbours had even likened the seaside village to “Gaza” due to its state.
He also revealed he has been forced to spend £2,000 repairing wheels damaged by the cracked local roads.
“Given the disgraceful state of the roads in Hamble Square and Hamble Lane and lack of effort to beautify the square, you would have thought the council would have been grateful for efforts to make the historic Square more attractive to visitors to help the struggling businesses hit by Labour’s tax rises,” he blasted.
Peter Langdon, 57, had set down some containers filled with primroses, alliums and tulips on the pavement next to his home in Hamble (pictured)
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“I’m just trying to make the street look a little bit nicer off my own back. Why does the council have a problem with that? I’m the one doing what they should be doing.”
The council removed bollards from the pavement last year, which locals say has resulted in vans and articulated lorries parking on the street.
“It’s cracked the pavements. One older lady tripped over and hurt herself just the other day,” Mr Langdon said.
He noted that his open windows extend further onto the pavement than his flowerpots, while pubs display signs and bins without being subject to council warnings.
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“It’s up to the council’s discretion what they enforce and what they don’t,” he said.
“It’s just like the police having discretion to deal with crimes and they choose to deal with social media posts rather than burglars.”
Local pasty shop owner Hulya D’Arcy has backed his efforts.
“I think it looks amazing, but that’s Hamble for you. It’s just complain, complain, complain,” she said.
Locals are said to have compared picturesque Hamble to Gaza such was the state of the roads
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A Hampshire County Council spokesman confirmed they had got in touch with the homeowner after a complaint about items blocking access to the pavement.
“We appreciate that the intention here was to enhance the area outside the property,” the spokesman said.
“However, where features encroach onto highway land, we ask that they are removed or that the boundary is clearly marked.
“Keeping public spaces unobstructed is important, as even small changes can affect access and safety for people using the verge or footway.
“As the highway authority, we have a responsibility to ensure that these areas remain safe and accessible for everyone.”