‘Grinch’ Housing Association Orders Christmas Wreaths Removed
A young mother has branded her housing association a ‘Grinch’ after it ordered residents to take down Christmas wreaths from their front doors, citing fire safety risks. The controversial move in Bracknell has left families, including a six-year-old boy who is ‘Grinch-mad’, devastated during the festive season.
Fines and Threats Over Festive Spirit
Residents living in three blocks in Harmans Water, Bracknell, received a direct order from housing association Abri to remove all festive decorations from their doors and communal areas. The warning came in the form of letters attached directly to the wreaths themselves.
The notice stated that failure to comply within 24 hours would result in the items being removed by Abri, with residents facing a charge of at least £10 per item for collection and storage. The letter emphasised that blocked escape routes could cost lives in an emergency.
‘My Son is Heartbroken,’ Says Mother
For 23-year-old mother Jasmin Fuller, the decision has crushed her son Levi’s Christmas spirit. “My son is Grinch-mad and wanted to get one - but now I have been asked to take it down by Abri,” she said. Ms Fuller, who has lived in the property for five years, explained that neighbours have decorated their doors for years without any previous issues.
“We don't have houses to decorate, so we make the best of what we have - but that's being stopped for us. It's very frustrating,” she added. Ms Fuller has complied to avoid a fine, but says the action feels disproportionate. “No one's going to be seriously injured by a Grinch Christmas wreath. They are the ones being the Grinch.”
Other neighbours reported similar dismay, with one stating their child asked if Christmas was already over when told the wreath had to come down.
Abri’s Fire Safety Justification
Tom Mason, Abri’s South East Regional Assistant Director, defended the policy. “The safety of our customers is our highest priority,” he stated. The association works with fire services to follow guidance, which includes keeping communal escape routes and fire doors clear of items that could cause trip hazards or accelerate the spread of flames.
“We understand how frustrating it is to have personal items removed, so we only do this as a last resort and to keep our customers safe,” Mason added. The crackdown also extended to welcome mats in communal halls.
A Wider Festive Crackdown
This incident is not isolated. Liberal Democrat-run Portsmouth City Council recently faced similar backlash after sending letters to hundreds of tenants, warning them against placing wreaths and other decorations outside their flats. The council cited tenancy agreement breaches, threatening enforcement action.
The move prompted Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake to criticise the decision, accusing the Liberal Democrats of ‘playing Scrooge’ and urging the council to allow tenants to enjoy the festive spirit.
As the debate continues, many residents in Bracknell are left questioning whether fire safety regulations are being applied too heavy-handedly, at the cost of community joy and tradition.
