Families living in a blocks of flats have been told to remove welcome mats from their porches because they are a health and safety risk.

They have also been told to remove pot plants because they create trip hazards and fire risks.

Residents at the block in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, say the items have never caused problems, reports the Daily Telegraph.

However, council officials claim that if people have to evacuate the properties in the event of a fire they could trip over the obstacles.

Annette Ball, a grandmother who lives at Port Vale Court, said the rules were ridiculous.

She said: "We've tried to make our porches homely, but we're not even allowed to have a picture on the wall. We are going to officially appealing against these new rules."

John Daniels, the council cabinet member for housing and neighbourhood services, defended the decision.