UK residents ordered to remove plants from corridors over safety issues

Tenants of tower block residents have been ordered to remove the pot plants from the corridors as they are "combustible" and would endanger the lives of firefighters if a blaze broke out.

Old Ford Housing Association, part of the Circle Anglia group, last inspected the plants about three years ago when leaseholder Dan McCurry wanted to enter them in a flower competition.

The association sent out its health and safety letters earlier this month, which states that it recognised its decision was distressing but it had a duty to act as a responsible landlord, the Daily Express reported.

Its customer services team told Mr McCurry the fire at the Lakanal House tower block in south London four years ago, in which six people were killed, had changed the face of health and safety.

They wrote that the landings have to be cleared of everything, which includes the plants and items that are deemed combustible must be removed.

The letter further says that the plants as well as other items have to be removed to ensure that they can get you out of the block in the event of a fire.