A Bedford family’s doormat has been branded a health and safety hazard by a housing association, which plastered it in warning tape and a sign reading ‘move it or lose it’.
The Daily Mail (who else?) reported on 23 August that inspectors from Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association (BPHA) ruled that Lubin Reyes’ mat – outside the first-floor flat where he has lived for 10 years – was a fire hazard.
Said Mr Reyes: “Someone is being paid to walk around and do this. It’s ridiculous. I can’t understand what they are thinking. It’s my doorstep and my doormat. I need to wipe the soles of my shoes dry or I might fall over in my house, then that would be a health and safety issue.”
Marie Taylor, head of housing at BPHA, which runs the communal areas of Mr Reyes apartment block said: “Like all social landlords, BPHA is legally obliged to ensure all shared areas in its properties are free from items that might trip residents in the case of a fire.”
To read the full story and see pictures of Mr Reyes with his “offending” mat, click here.
