THE district council looks set to perform a U-turn over plans to ban its maisonette tenants from keeping any furnishings in their communal hallways.

Epping Forest District Council faced an angry backlash from residents in Torrington Drive, Loughton, when it sent out a letter earlier this year ordering them to strip their halls of all carpets mats, pot plants and pictures in the name of fire safety.

After 84 residents signed a petition condemning the move, the council's housing scrutiny panel has now recommended many of the measures be pared back.

Speaking at the panel's committee meeting, assistant director of housing Paul Pledger outlined how the council had come to its original decision, which came about after a review following a fire earlier this year at a block of flats in Southwark, south London, which claimed six lives.

He said: “You almost have to state a worst case scenario- someone who's disabled, someone not familiar with the building- and look at the risks for them. We took the decision that we wanted to take responsibility and asked people to remove all their items from common areas. It was met clearly with dissatisfaction from the residents.”

Jenny Figgins, who organised the petition, said: “When I first received the letter I was quite shocked. I found it quite strict and dictatorial. I spoke to a lot of residents and they all agreed safety was paramount but they thought a bit of carpet and a doormat wasn't any problem whatsoever. They acknowledged the report but felt that was directed more at large buildings than a two storey-block.”

Torrington Drive resident Nicola Price said: “We are just asking for a bit of common-sense rather than strip everything bare.”

Councillors voted to recommend residents be able to retain pictures in a glassless frame, rubber-backed doormats, pot plants, and flame-retardant curtains and carpets.

Committee chairman Cllr Stephen Murray said: “I know Torrington Drive inside out. The residents really care for the communal flats there. I think we have responded and moved on from the original letter and I see that as local government and democracy working.”

The committee's recommendations must now be ratified by housing portfolio holder Cllr Dave Stallan.