Firefighters face 'ladders ban'

Firefighters have been banned from using their ladders to take down festive bunting because it is deemed a health and safety risk.

In previous years, firefighters have helped remove decorations in the centre of Ampthill, Bedfordshire, after the town's Gala Day in July.

Three months on, the green and white bunting is still there.

Bedfordshire deputy chief fire officer Graeme Smith said: "It sounds like the world has gone mad. Firefighters will climb ladders to rescue people from burning buildings but not to remove bunting."

The festival committee is now trying to find another way of removing the bunting before the winter.