“Busy-Body NONSENSE” | Housing Association Orders Elderly Residents To Stop Using Garden Furniture

Elderly residents in Broadstairs, Kent, are outraged after their housing association, Orbit Housing, ordered them to stop using garden furniture for social gatherings, calling it a “trip hazard.”

The benches, set up on Hopeville Avenue, have become a crucial meeting spot for the residents, many of whom are elderly and live alone, providing a much-needed boost to their mental health.

Lyndon Brand, 60, created the gathering space in his garden with chairs and a picnic bench after hosting a King’s coronation party. Since then, the spot has grown popular with local residents, but last month Orbit Housing issued a notice demanding the furniture be removed, citing safety concerns.

The company has stated it will not forcibly remove the furniture until a new location is found, but residents say they won’t give up their “safe haven” without a fight.

Kevin O’Sullivan speaks with Lyndon Brand about the the housing association order.