Overview

• Julie and Derek Lee, long-term residents of Maryland Court in Stapleford, received a letter on September 15 giving them 48 hours to clear their balcony.
• The couple say they destroyed or gave away their plants and hanging baskets and describe the loss as devastating after two decades of displays.
• They have written to Broxtowe Borough Council asking for the prohibition to be reversed, with no change reported so far.
• The council cites routine fire risk assessments and states that communal areas such as stairwells, landings and balconies must be free of hazards, listing items including plants, furniture and prams.
• GB News reports the authority would not comment on the individual case and points to duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.