Couple ordered to remove door number

An elderly couple had their flat’s door number removed by housing chiefs — in case it fell and hit someone.

The number 3 plaque, which had been glued and screwed to a wall for 30 years without an accident, was ruled a health and safety risk.

Grandparents Jim Richards, 81, and wife Una, 79, were also told their doormat, plants and pictures must be cleared from their flat’s shared hall.



Jim said: “We couldn’t believe it when they said we weren’t allowed to have our number. It’s sheer stupidity.”

The pair own the flat in Kempston, Beds, but pay a maintenance fee to Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association.

Housing manager Gill Higginson said: “Our responsibility as a landlord is to ensure the communal areas are kept clean and hazard-free in the interests of health and safety.”