Pub landlady forced to defend 'dangerous' floral displays

The council workers visited The Red Lion, in Egham High Street, on Monday last week after receiving a gripe from a member of the public who claimed the floral displays might fall on drinkers' heads and that passing pedestrians might collide with open windows.

Landlady Katy Carter said: "They just turned up - I couldn't believe it when he told me why he was there.

"I think it's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.

"I can't believe that someone has nothing better to do with their time than ring up the council and complain about my hanging baskets."

She added: "The complaint about the windows is just as ridiculous - the only way you could walk into them would be if you were walking backwards.

"This building has been on the High Street for nearly 500 years, and as far as I'm aware no one has ever yet been seriously hurt by the windows."

Mrs Carter said she was relieved when the officer told her he had seen nothing to worry about with her seven hanging baskets or the windows and would not take the matter further.

She said: "I don't blame the council - I know they have to follow these things up, but I think it's hilarious that someone bothered to complain in the first place.

"The only thing I can think is that the hanging baskets have dripped on someone and they were annoyed by that - but they are watered at 6.30am."

She added: "It's not going to put me off putting them up - if anything I'll put up more next year." M a r k Adams, chairman of Egham's chamber of commerce, thought the complaint was a 'sign of the times' and said: "A couple of years ago they were tying gravestones because they might fall down - it's so over-protective.

"If you're walking down the High Street surely you have the sense not to walk into a window."

He added: "I think anyone who makes an effort to brighten up the High Street should be applauded, not complained about."

Peter Burke, environmental officer at Runnymede Council, said officers visited following a complaint from a member of the public, but were satisfied the baskets posed no health and safety risk.