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UK News

Christian couple refuse to remove 'fire hazard' Christmas wreath

by Tola Mbakwe

According to Derby Telegraph, Charles Bridges and his wife, Katie Tomkinson, said they were "baffled" when Derby Homes told them to remove their Christmas wreath by 18th December because it posed a fire hazard.

The housing association wrote in a letter that the wreath would be disposed of if the couple did not remove it themselves.

Bridges told the newspaper the situation was "safety gone mad".

"I'm a Christian and I should be allowed to decorate my house with Christmas decorations," he said.

"The wreath doesn't contain lights, there's no electricity involved at all so I can't understand why it's a fire risk."

He added that he was "gobsmacked" that the wreath could be taken away and after challenging the housing association's rule, it responded that it has always been its policy.

A spokesman for Derby Homes told Derby Telegraph that the couple's front door opens onto a communal stairwell and entrance and most of the communal areas in the properties it manages don't have fire detection or extinguishing systems fitted.

He added: "The policy requires the communal corridors, landings and stairwells of properties to be designated a "clear zone" (sterile area), free of all extraneous items.

"We realise that it may seem over the top to be demanding removal of these decorations as many may seem harmless and to pose little risk. Allowing specific items whilst denying others presents a larger management problem, given the number of flats we manage."

The spokesman encouraged residents inside their homes however they'd like.

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