We’re BANNED from sitting on benches because ‘jobsworth’ council says we’ll hurt ourselves – it’s making our lives hell

RESIDENTS were left gobsmacked after their housing association demanded they stop meeting outdoors on garden furniture.

Orbit Housing, which owns the bungalows that line Hopeville Avenue in Broadstairs, Kent, argued the items used as a "wellbeing hub" could be dangerous.

Lyndon Brand, 60, who moved to the area two years ago, created the area in his front garden shortly after throwing a party for the King's coronation.

The no-frills rendezvous point consists of four wooden chairs with side tables and a picnic bench.

The residents, many of whom are elderly and live alone, say the social spot is important for their mental health and slammed the housing association's comments.

As numbers began to grow, Orbit Housing posted an advisory through residents' letterboxes.

They added that if attendees don't remove the wooden seats, the association will.

The company has said it will not remove them "until a new location can be agreed".

"They told us we can't have it because it's a trip hazard. They just won't listen to reason," Lyndon fumed.

"It has just made my life hell personally which then spills over onto the rest of us because if this goes, we're all going to suffer.

"When I first read that letter, my world fell out from underneath me."

The notice states that if the seats are not removed voluntarily, Orbit will come and take them away.

Locals are now digging their heels, with many preparing to guard the area for as long as it takes.

Lyndon continued: "I've been on guard every day since then. I haven't gone out. The group will come out and we'll sit on it so they can't take them.

"If they get their way and we come out here one day and this is all gone that would be terrible.

"Our closeness and where we rely on each other, I think that's going to dwindle and disappear.

"We just spontaneously come out because there's something on your mind that day."

Attendee Sheila Morris, 84, says she relies on the meetings for social contact as she does not have relatives who live nearby.

She said: "This is my family.

"I live on my own, I've got two little dogs and I've got a whole great big family just outside the front door.

"I've got children but they're a long, long, way away.

"I can't go back and forth to Herefordshire and my son can't come back and forth to me all the time."

It has just made my life hell personally which then spills over onto the rest of us because if this goes, we're all going to suffer

Lyndon Brand

Fellow pensioner Val Barry, 79, hit out at Orbit for the "mad" decision to remove the space.

"We all live on our own, and it gets us out of the house, otherwise we'd be sitting indoors, looking at the four walls," she said.

"We've all got sort of problems with health and Lyndon is an ex-paramedic, so it's great having him nearby.

"Why Orbit wants us to remove the benches and break up all our little get-togethers, I don't know.

"It's like health and safety gone mad."

However, it is not just elderly neighbours who benefit from the benches.

Lucy Brand, 37, said: "I've had episodes with my mental health for many years now, and my safe haven is this hub.

"Orbit says in its tenancy agreement that it takes great consideration for a tenant's wellbeing, and that it wants them to live happily and comfortably.

"But as you can tell that is not the case.

"We're not doing anything wrong at all. We're just sitting here having a cup of tea and a chat."

Miss Brand's twin sister Claire does not live in Hopeville Avenue but loves the community so much that she travels from home on the other side of town to visit.

Orbit has suggested a coffee morning for the residents at the nearby village hall as a compromise.

But the neighbours say "mental health doesn't take a break at the weekend" and want something they can make use of every day.

An Orbit spokesperson said in a statement: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy their community and make it their own, in a safe, respectful and inclusive way.

“As a social housing landlord we have a duty of care to keep outdoor communal areas well-managed and clear of any hazards that could present health and safety or fire risks, or prevent all residents from enjoying the area.
 
“We have therefore reached out to all customers on the estate to kindly ask them to remove items in these areas including lighting, flag poles and restrictive borders, that pose hazards and prevent all residents from enjoying the space. 
 
“We understand the wellbeing benefits that an outdoor social space can offer, which is why we offered in our letter to arrange a meeting with all customers living on the estate to support them in creating an inclusive community space for the benefit of all in a suitable and safe location.

"We encourage customers to accept our invitation so we can
design an area that better suits the needs of the whole estate.

"In the meantime, we have agreed for the benches to remain until a new location can be agreed.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to remind all Orbit customers that they can access free wellbeing support if needed through our Better Days programme, which can provide them with expert advice and resources across a wide range of support services and via external partners, including mental health support.”