MAISONETTE tenants have been ordered to remove all furnishings and home comforts from their communal areas under new fire safety guidelines.

Carpets, doormats and even pot plants are all to be banished from the hallways of the council blocks leaving many residents bewildered and angry.

Jenny Figgins, 60, of Torrington Drive, Loughton, said her block of four maisonettes would look like a prison if all its furnishings were taken away.

She said: “We just don't understand the relevance of it all. Everyone considers the communal area part of their home.

“We are all for safety and we wouldn't want to do anything that jeopardises that but it's over the top. It's been taken to the extreme.

“No-one wants to be in a dangerous position but in these communal areas if you take everything away it's a concrete floor and metal stairs. It'd be like Prisoner Cell Block H. I'd be ashamed to have visitors.”

The new regulations came about following a council safety review in the light of the fire earlier this year at a block of flats in Southwark, south London, which claimed six lives.

A letter issued to residents reads: “In order to address this matter, the Council will be carrying out inspections of all our flat blocks, to ensure that personal belongings are not obstructing our communal areas.

“What is prohibited? As a guide, anything which is placed on the floor or is positioned at a level below head height.”

Mrs Figgins said she had raised a petition of 130 people in her street against the proposals.

She said: “I've knocked on every door in Torrington Drive and have signatures from almost every resident saying they don't agree with it.

“If they're that concerned about fire why is there no smoke detector, no extinguisher or a fire door? If they're concerned about health and safety you'd think a smoke detector would be a lot more relevant.

“Some people have already removed everything because they're frightened of the council but I won't give in.”

A spokesman for Epping Forest District Council said: "We have had a few moans and grumbles but the vast majority of people have been very understanding and co-operative. They appreciate that these measures are for their own welfare and safety.”

The spokesman added he recommended all residents have smoke detectors fitted in their homes and to check them regularly.