Disgruntled parents living in council-owned flats have been told to remove play equipment from a communal garden amid fire safety concerns.

Residents in a housing block in South Ashford are being ordered by Ashford Borough Council to take down the playthings – which include a bouncy castle and three trampolines.

The Trumpet House occupants have been told the equipment is a fire hazard and must be removed.

But dad Daniel Westwood says the group is frustrated about the "unfair" treatment, which stemmed from complaints from other residents in the building in Godfrey Walk.

"I can't understand really why it's an issue – the council says it has had complaints but we have done all we can to be safe and compliant with the safety regulations," he said.

"It's a communal garden, they were supposed to section parts off but that was delayed because of the pandemic, so while it is truly communal it needs to be for everyone – I get that – but the equipment is for all of the children to enjoy.

"There are three trampolines and a Wendy house that I have built myself; we do also have a bouncy castle and a paddling pool, but they pack away into tiny bags and aren't brought out for longer than a couple of days at a time.

"We have cleared the whole garden of weeds and overgrowth; it was in a terrible state but now we can finally use it."

Following the complaints, residents in the flats which directly overlook the equipment received a letter from an Ashford council housing officer saying they must remove all of the potential fire hazards by tomorrow (Tuesday).

On that day, a contractor will be sent round to clear any and all equipment still left on the grounds; as well as the trampolines, a list of affected items also included plastic toys, slides and plastic chairs.

Mr Westwood, 23, added: "What I really don't get is that they've said the trampolines are fire hazards but they are not restricting anyone's use of the path.

"And on top of that, they have said that the shed and little storage outhouse that we've got are okay and won't need to be removed.

"They are right next to the trampolines, so just as far away from the house... and they are made of wood."

Mr Westwood's partner Crystal, with whom he has one child, added: "It's really unfair – we just want to enjoy our garden and let our kids enjoy it too.

"We don't want to take them to the park at the moment, it's so busy and with the Delta variant affecting younger people more it's scary."

A spokesman for Ashford Borough Council says the authority is stepping in after other residents "pleaded" with it to do something about the equipment.

"We are taking action in response to complaints from a number of tenants about the health and safety dangers of large flammable items left in communal areas at the property," he said.

"Tenants have been pleading with us to act – one said that trampolines and bouncy castles are now becoming a permanent fixture and they are worried that there are clear fire risks that could endanger local residents.

“Following an inspection, we have written to all residents to remind them that items like trampolines, plastic toys, slides and plastic chairs must not be left in the communal garden due to their high flammability.

"Any residents who are found to be doing so are in breach of their tenancy agreement. We have a clear duty of care to all residents and we take that responsibility very seriously.

“Our contractor will attend on Tuesday (June 22) to clear all items remaining in the communal garden found to be in breach of health and safety and likely to cause harm to residents of Trumpet House.”

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