Pensioner asked to remove hanging baskets to avoid hurting passersby

LONDON - A pensioner has been ordered to remove a set of hanging baskets from her local market square after council bosses warned that people could bump their heads on them.

Officials were concerned that shoppers could bump their heads as they passed under them.

Linda Martin, 68, had hung the floral displays around the centre of Wilton, Wiltshire, in an attempt to brighten up the area.

But she was instructed to remove them as they breached health and safety rules. Housing association warns of ban on hanging baskets amid safety fears.

Martin began hanging the basket after she was banned from placing floral displays on the ground in case pedestrians tripped over them.

Martin while accusing the council said that the baskets were very safe.

“I am desperately upset by it. This is a slap across the face. I am supporting David Cameron’s Big Society Plan - I am just trying to improve my community,” the Telegraph quoted former town councilor Martin as saying.

“It goes to show how petty minded Wiltshire Council is. The hanging baskets enhanced this wonderful town. Wiltshire Council was alleging they were a danger, claiming they may fall off the trees and hit someone.

“But they were no danger - they have been there since the beginning of June and there have been no accidents. She had tied them safely to the trees with wire. She would have pulled them down at the end of the summer anyway,” said Wilton Town Councillor Peter Edge.

“I am extremely disappointed. We were trying to liven up the ancient capital of Wessex with an enhancing floral display,” he added.

But a spokesman for Wiltshire Council said the baskets had been placed at head height and could pose a danger to pedestrians especially those who were partially sighted.

“The hanging baskets are extremely heavy, too low and are displaying unauthorized advertising. As such we have requested their removal. They are liable to damage the young trees they are hanging from,” the spokesman added. (ANI)