Health and safety ban on Samaritan cleaning up his run-down area
A RETIRED engineer who went on a crusade to clean up his neighbourhood has been ordered to stop by “health and safety” officials.
David Render, 54, led a remarkable transformation of once-dilapidated areas only to be accused of “trespass, criminal damage and removal of property”.
An official’s email warned him he could be investigated and “appropriate action” could be taken.
Mr Render had rounded up volunteers and spent £289 of his money to restore a neglected sculpture.
He also dragged a dilapidated picnic table home for repair before anchoring it back in position in a park.
He led teams who collected rubbish and hacked back brambles that were making a footpath unusable near a school in Washington, Tyne and Wear.
In June, he dumped refuse he had collected in the park at Sunderland City Council’s offices to shame it.
He has now been left stunned by the email from official Mark Speed saying: “You are putting yourself and other members of the public in danger. I must insist you stop.” In anger, he wrote to Prince Charles and had a reply from Clarence House to say that the Prince could not become personally involved but he “recognised the strength of his feelings” and his complaint would be forwarded to the council.
He said: “I was just trying to help improve the area.
“The last thing I expected from the council was a threat of legal action. It’s madness.
“I was told I wasn’t doing suitable risk assessments. The only one necessary was making sure no cars were coming.”
Councillor Michael Mordey said: “We welcome and encourage the public to help keep their communities clean and tidy.” But he added: “The council has concerns when some of Mr Render’s activities are endangering himself and others.” Some of the rubbish David Render dumped at a Sunderland Council office. Far right, the formerly overgrown sculpture he has restored by a slip road