Controversial rules over what thousands of Norwich council flat tenants can place in communal areas are set to be reviewed.

A year ago, Norwich City Council updated its rules after it faced accusations of heavy-handedness when tenants were ordered to remove items from communal areas in flats.

Among them was Kerry Annison, whose flowers have won Norwich In Bloom awards. She was told the pots around her Devonshire Street home were a fire hazard, before a council change of heart.

And Margaret Jowsey, of Sleaford Green, was ordered to remove a washing line in a communal area which was also deemed to be a fire hazard.

In the wake of those incidents, and a blaze which broke out in Markham Tower in Mile Cross three years ago, the council reviewed what was allowed in communal areas at the council's flats. Plant pots were banned in 'high risk' areas, such as tower blocks.

Tim Jones, Green city councillor for Nelson ward, questioned whether the policy could be reconsidered.

Gail Harris, the council's cabinet member for housing and wellbeing, said the authority had worked closely with the fire service to devise the policy and the council had a duty to keep people safe.

But she added there would be a review within the next six months.

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