Residents ordered to pull down greenhouse... in case someone falls off the roof

Published 31st Dec 2009

In the six years since it was put up, people have worked in and around this greenhouse but never on it - for obvious reasons.

But now the green-fingered residents who use the communal hothouse have been told to pull it down in case someone falls off the roof.

If they refuse, workers will be sent in to demolish it.

The bizarre crackdown was announced by the housing association which manages the land after a tenant fell off a shed elsewhere in its district.

But the dozens of people who use the greenhouse at St George's Estate in Basildon, Essex - many of whom are elderly or disabled - have angrily accused health and safety zealots of robbing them of their only pastime.

Andre Le Brise, 57, who lives in a flat on the estate and is registered disabled, said: 'We are livid, to be honest, because most of us around here are disabled or elderly and it's all we've got. It's health and safety gone mad.

'When we moved in here nine years ago it was like a jungle. We took the weeds out and made it nice.

'One man bought the greenhouse and it has been there for six years with no problems.

'Anyone can use it to grow flowers or fruit and veg. Anyone can come down and help themselves to a handful of tomatoes or whatever. It is a great focal point in the summer.'

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: 'Most of us couldn't climb onto the roof even if we wanted to.

'I feel sorry for the man that fell off the hut but accidents happen. Why should that be allowed to spoil things for the rest of us?'

During the transformation in the block of flats' communal garden, undergrowth was cut back by the tenants and replaced by trees and neat flower beds.

They also bought a lawnmower to to keep grass-covered areas tidy.

But the greenhouse is at risk after St George's Community Housing, which manages the council estate, wrote to the tenants ordering them to remove it and a child's trampoline.

The letter offered no explanation for the demand but Mr Le Brise said he contacted Basildon Council and was told it was because of the injury suffered by the man while fixing the shed.

'I can't understand it. The greenhouse is not in anyone's way and it's not like we climb on the roof. All we want to do is keep the area nice,' he added.

'Councils encourage people to grow fruit and veg but we are being punished.'

Demand for allotments has soared and the number of back-garden fruit and veg plots has boomed in recent years, particularly during the recession.

The Government has added to the interest by promoting grow-your-own campaigns to encourage people to eat healthy food, get more exercise, and save money.

Mandy Skeat, St George's area housing services manager, today indicated there might be U-turn following the public backlash.

'We contacted residents because of concerns over two items in this communal area which could potentially present a risk to residents. We asked for both to be removed,' she said.

'Following discussions with the residents concerned we are reviewing the situation and may consider other options.'

Source: ' Daily Mail '

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