Tenants told they can't leave chairs out on their balconies because of 'fire risk'

RESIDENTS OF FLATS SAY COUNCIL'S NEW RULE IS 'RIDICULOUS'

- By RUCSANDRA MOLDOVEANU

ELDERLY people living in a block of council flats in Beeston have blasted a “ridiculous” new rule that means they can’t leave chairs out on their balconies.

Tenants of Regency Court in Regent Street, Beeston, were told their belongings had to be removed from balconies because it could put them in danger in the event of a fire.

Instead, they can use folding chairs they must remove when not in use.

One of the elderly residents has already received a tenancy warning from Broxtowe Borough Council for breaking the new rule.

Julie Peel, 74, has lived there for 11 years and said that everyone is feeling the impact of the change.

She said: “We're allowed to sit on folders but we have to take them in as soon as we stand up.

“We can’t go in to the loo or to make a drink.

“As soon as we get up, we have to take them inside.

“It’s impacted everybody. Everybody's moaning about it all up and down because it was nice to sit and talk to your neighbours and have a coffee or a cigarette.

“I've been here 11 years and never heard of anything like this. It's ridiculous.”

Ms Peel has severe mobility issues, making walking to the communal room at the other end of the complex or using nearby Broadgate Park - unviable.