Pensioner’s pledge to fight ban

Pitt’s a picture

A PENSIONER has vowed he will go to prison to stop housing jobsworths from taking his doormat.

David Carr is fighting officials who told him his plant and mat were health and safety hazards in a communal hallway.

They say the household goods could cause people to trip if there was a blaze or even catch alight.

The 75-year-old has hit out after South Essex Homes workers took residents’ possessions at a block of flats in Leigh-on-Sea.

He said: “What the association is doing is absurd and so unjust.

“I am prepared to be arrested and even go to prison to stop them from taking my doormat and plant table.

“I have lived here 38 years and so many people compliment me on my plant table and how it makes the landing area so nice and homely.

“I feel this is unwarranted harassment of people who are trying to keep their homes nice.”

His outrage was echoed by neighbour Thomas Thorpe, 71.

He said: “They took my doormat. When I’ve been walking the dog I’d like somewhere to wipe my feet before going into my house.

“We also had a nice table that paper boys used to leave papers and leaflets on. Now these will just be left all over the floor.”

The housing association said it had to follow fire regulations.

A spokesman said: “Fire safety will always be of the highest priority for us to ensure our residents remain safe.

“There should be no obstruction on escape routes.” ★

BRAD Pitt takes a selfie with a fan at the Mexican premiere of Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.

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The 55-year-old wore all beige in Mexico City to promote the Quentin Tarantino film co-starring Leonardo DiCaprio.