Residents have spoken of their outrage after several plant pots were seized in a “raid” on their council flats.

Occupants of Wandsworth’s Wendelsworth Estate fought back last Wednesday morning (23 June) when Council workers attempted to clear their foliage from communal hallways.

The Council had issued a warning to residents to remove the plants two weeks prior, in the interests of fire safety, but when residents refused, a team of nine officers was sent in to confiscate them.

However, residents told the Wandsworth Times they objected to the Council’s actions and believed the flowers did not pose a risk.

One resident of the five-storey block of flats called the actions “theft” and said that some pots were special family heirlooms.

Linda Morgan said: “My plants were not a fire hazard as nobody has to pass my front door.

“If the fire brigade said it was a hazard, of course I would remove them, but they’re beautiful flowers, I just only put them out to look pretty.”

Wandsworth Times: The council truck used to remove the plants from Wendelsworth estate.The council truck used to remove the plants from Wendelsworth estate.

Ms Morgan was told to take down her plants, which included a pot that belonged to her late sister and another vessel that contained her dog’s ashes.

“They tried to take a deep pink pot with a geranium that belonged to my sister 15 years ago.

“It was like the Gestapo, nine council workers were all out on my balcony as if it was a raid.

“I was so on edge I didn’t go out for four days, I was terrified to go out in case they were gone in the supermarket sweep,” said the 69-year-old.

Paul Griffiths, who also lives in the building, said that it was “outrageous” he was ordered to take down his wall hanging plants.

“We had a letter from the council 2 weeks ago, telling us that all the pathways and corridors needed to be clear, which we all understand. But what seems so unfair is that we now have to take down walled plants which seems ridiculous.”

Wandsworth Times: Hanging wall plants which were removed. Hanging wall plants which were removed.

“They make the flats much nicer and are good for the environment. My plants are an essential part of my mental health recovery plan, and they mean a great deal to me,” he said.

A spokesperson from the Council reiterated that the move was a result of fire safety inspections.

“We recently wrote to residents asking them to make sure landings and walkways are kept free of any obstacles or items that could be trip hazards.

“This followed a series of fire safety inspections across several blocks on the estate where concerns were raised at the presence of items left in communal areas.  Ensuring that escape routes are free of obstructions in case of emergency is of paramount importance.”