My potty ASBO
Dad slams order stopping him placing plants outside his flat
A RETIRED couple have been slapped with an ASBO for putting plants outside their front door.
John and Alicia Whelan have been ordered to remove the pots and even a welcome mat.
The miffed pair, who have lived in the flat for 35 years, say the plants had brightened up their tower block.
But landlords say the communal areas must be clear because of fire safety.
John, 70, and Alicia, 67, got the ASBO after a tussle with housing bosses.
John said: “It’s utterly ridiculous and completely disproportionate to the issue.
“My kids got a badge made for me – ‘proud ASBO’ – and everyone thinks it’s an absolute joke...
“Now our landing is indistinguishable from a prison.”
The ex-project manager said landlords have become “a mix of policeman and jailer”.
The ASBO forbids the couple “placing any items in the communal areas” of the block in Sefton Park, Liverpool. John said they could be evicted if they break the order.
Your Housing Group said: “We have been working with Mr and Mrs Whelan for the past nine months to come to an agreement.
“The advice from the fire experts is corridors and stairways that form part of an escape route in tower blocks must be kept clear and hazard-free at all times.”
My kids got a badge made for me – ‘proud ASBO’. Everyone thinks it’s an absolute joke JOHN WHELAN ON THE REACTION TO ASBO BEING DISHED OUT