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END OF THE RAINBOW

Shocked family ordered to remove rainbow around to door to honour NHS heroes by killjoy council chiefs

COLD-HEARTED council bosses have ordered a family to remove a rainbow decoration honouring NHS heroes.

The Hemmings family painted a bright, colourful rainbow around their door in Bewdley, Worcestershire, to thank those risking their lives on the coronavirus frontline.

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The Hemmings created the tribute to Britain's brave health workers not long after the start of coronavirus lockdown
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The Hemmings created the tribute to Britain's brave health workers not long after the start of coronavirus lockdownCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

But miserable boffins at Wyre Forest District Council wrote to the family demanding the paintwork be "rectified within 14 days".

The Hemmings were told that as their home is a Grade II listed property their art could not remain.

The council demanded it be removed by today, July 5.

Luckily for the family, though, their plight attracted attention from hundreds of supporters on social media and caused a huge outcry from unimpressed Brits.

In the end, the bureaucrats backed down, and in a temporary U-turn said the Hemmings could leave the rainbow on the entrance until September 7.

The council's backflip was hailed on Facebook, after Sara Hemmings-Horsey posted the "brilliant news".

She said: "We just had an email from the council planning officer saying 'we are in agreement to allow the paintwork to remain until Monday 7th September.

"'Should you feel the need to extend the deadline date nearer the time due to the pandemic then please contact me direct so that this can be discussed'."

A delighted Sara Hemmings-Horsey shared the council's U-turn over the rainbow-coloured door frame
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A delighted Sara Hemmings-Horsey shared the council's U-turn over the rainbow-coloured door frame

Sara said it was vindication after her family had been "so shocked and sad someone would complain about the door when it's been bringing so much joy."

It had been "horrible" to receive the council's demand to erase the rainbow "without them coming to have a chat to us first", she added.

Supporter Nicky Dalley replied that it was "brilliant news. I think it should stay forever as a reminder of what we’ve all faced".

Linda Attwood added: "That is amazing news! Well done that person at the council for showing their human side."

While many praised the council for finally showing "common sense", some, including Jayne Bacon, asked, "why does it have to go in September?

"It should stay forever, it’s a lovely welcome to the town and a reflection of us Bewdley folk."

The family of NHS supporters is celebrating the service's 72nd anniversary
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The family of NHS supporters is celebrating the service's 72nd anniversaryCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

A thrilled Sara posted: "The council have listened to everyone and have been fantastic in allowing the rainbow to stay for longer!

"We will still go ahead with the cake bake sale on Sunday as a celebration and to raise the money for Birmingham Children's Hospital.

"Thanks so much everyone for you support and lovely comments.

"Also thank you to everyone who is baking and who are making postcards of the door for Sunday.

"The charity bake sale is [today] July 5, 4pm till 6pm (come rain or shine).

"Please come to the Bewdley house with a rainbow doorway to buy a homebaked rainbow cake and get a last selfie by the rainbow door.

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"We hope to get lots of donations for Birmingham Children's Hospital.

"Sunday (5th) is the 72nd anniversary of the NHS and we hope we can make some pennies for a wonderful organisation."

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