Pensioners at a sheltered housing block in Brighton have been denied any Christmas cheer this year as Council bosses crack down on Christmas decorations.
Residents have also been told not to put up pictures or clocks on walls in case they fall on their heads, but Brighton and Hove City Council said staff at Elwyn Jones Court in Patcham are simply trying to decide where the decorations can "safely go".
Councillor Carol Theobald agreed to take up their cause and said, "The hallway at the entrance to the building is a big area but they have been told they can't have a Christmas tree in the corner or have anything on the walls because of health and safety. They are very upset because they were allowed to put up decorations last year. I understand the need to make sure things are done safely but this is way over the top. It's a real bah humbug attitude."
But a council spokesman denied Christmas had been cancelled at the block. "We are not banning Christmas decorations at Elwyn Jones Court-far from it. Staff and residents will be working together to decide where the decorations can safely go. It's common sense stuff, but we need to avoid things like putting Christmas trees in front of fire exits or wrapping strings of lights around handrails."
This is the second year in which Brighton council have put dampeners on the city's festive spirit. In 2010, the Council made 63 year-old Ian Cameron take down the Christmas lights that were hanging from his 19th floor balcony over fears that they could be dangerous.
