Furious flat tenants are being forced to remove their door mats after they were branded a fire hazard.
Residents in high-rise flats in west Leeds received letters telling them they had to remove potted plants and door mats from outside their flats because they are potential fire risks.
The letters were sent from Leeds West North West Homes, the council’s arm’s length housing management organisation.
Pensioner Lewis Brogden has lived in Burnsall Croft for the last 20 years with his wife Audrey.
He said: “It’s crazy really.They are turning the blocks into prisons.
“It’s just not very nice and absolutely ridiculous.
“Some people carpeted their communal areas to make them look nice.
“It’s making the block look very bland now. It just makes you wonder what is going to happen next.”
Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves has branded the policy as “ridiculous” and said that tenants are being penalised for taking pride in their homes.
She said: “I find it preposterous that WNWH are asking tenants to remove items such as doormats and pot plants from outside their doors while they review their policy.
“I am currently in the process of conducting a survey into living conditions in high-rise flats, following a sharp increase in constituents contacting me regarding poor conditions in the blocks, and the results so far have shown that there are serious problems with issues such as anti-social behaviour and cleanliness.
“I would rather see WNWH taking greater action to tackle these problems.”
A spokeswoman for West North West Home Leeds said: “The safety of our residents is our primary concern.
“West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service highlighted a range of issues that could cause a risk to exit in the case of a fire. Large pot plants and old carpets in communal areas can cause an obstruction.
“We appreciate that many residents wish to enhance their surroundings and we support their views on this.”
She added that each block will be assessed and WNWH will provide guidance on where it is safe to place items.
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