A widowed pensioner is fighting council bureaucrats threatening to throw away her pot plants.

Stella Folley has tried to brighten the corridor outside her flat in Mill Place, Kingston, with money and spider plants since she moved in 11 years ago.

Last month, estate manager Jackie Farrier wrote to Millfield residents warning all items stored in communal areas had to removed following a health and safety inspection.

She said personal items, including prams, bicycles and furniture, could delay residents escaping a fire.

Now 34 residents of the 36-flat property have backed the 73 year old’s petition to allow them to keep their door mats and pot plants.

Mrs Folley, who lost her husband of 41 years three years ago, said: "I have got my little plants to keep me company.

"We put them out and they make the place look nice. They are not obstructing anything, honest to God. Mine are against the wall in the lobby.

"When we came over I started getting the plants and they all said they are lovely, even the council people.

"I said it’s not the plants or the door mats [that cause fires], it’s the people you put in the flats. I know the lady who set fire to the tower block, and she was mentally ill."

Mrs Folley sought the help of former councillor Steve Mama, who passed to the petition to Kingston town neighbourhood committee on Tuesday, February 7.

He said: "The council should give guidance about how much space should be accepted in the landing and what kind of things they are prepared to accept, instead of a blanket ban.

"People need door mats to keep their places clean and tidy."

Simon Oelman, Head of Housing Management, said the council was following fire brigade advice.

He said: "We recognise people take a pride in their communal areas and want to make them more homely.

"However the council has a statutory responsibility to keep its residents safe and therefore we have no option but to apply these restrictions.

"We have contacted the residents of Millfield to explain the restrictions."