A PENSIONER has slammed his local council after they told him it was illegal to display flowers outside his home.
Peter Langdon, 57, received a letter from Hampshire County Council last week ordering him to remove the colourful flowers within the month.
The retired detective wanted to “brighten up” the village square by making a lovely potted plant arrangement by his front door and windows.
Peter, who owns The Old House which faces Hamble Square, has lived there for 10 years.
Four years ago, he potted primroses, alliums and tulips in a variety of colours in order to spark a little joy for locals an new visitors to the area.
But according to the Council, the sweet gesture is an illegal obstruction under the Highways Act 1980.
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The letter – received on March 11 – stated that the plants are an “encroachment on highway land” and must be swiftly removed.
Stunned by the warning, Peter spoke to his local paper, the Daily Echo, to express his frustrations.
He said: “These plants have been here for years and I put them out the front to help brighten up Hamble Square.
“They give a lovely display in the summer – on almost a daily basis when I bump into people they say I love the flower arrangement you have outside at the moment.”
Peter added that the letter had left him “shocked” and said he hadn’t received a negative comment about his arrangements since he moved into the area.
The green-fingered pensioner said people regularly approach him to compliment the flower arrangement.
Peter thinks the council’s money and time would be better spent on fixing the potholes in the area, rather than making him tear down his flowers.
The keen gardener added: “We have deep potholes here in Hamble – I had £2,000 of damage to my wheels last year. I think money could be far better spent fixing potholes rather than policing flowers.”
Local business owners have expressed their support for Peter to keep the flowers on display.
They agree that it brightens up the area which helps to welcome visitors to the area.
A Hampshire County Council spokesperson said: “We have contacted the resident following a complaint received about items placed on the pavement that were obstructing access.
“We appreciate that the intention here was to enhance the area outside the property.
“However, where features encroach onto highway land, we ask that they are removed or that the boundary is clearly marked.
“Keeping public spaces unobstructed is important, as even small changes can affect access and safety for people using the verge or footway.
“As the highway authority, we have a responsibility to ensure that these areas remain safe and accessible for everyone.”
A London council has also sparked discontent after a sign threatened anyone feeding birds with five years in prison.
The menacing notice from Brent Council, London, also threatens an unlimited fine for “crimes against our streets”.