Royal photo removed from flats over fire fear

A picture of the Queen and Prince Charles has been removed from outside a Swansea pensioner's flat due to health and safety concerns. Jean Thomas, 80, was told the photo which hung on the landing wall could hinder rescuers if there was a fire.

Neighbours were told to remove pot plants, a rug and other pictures from communal areas at their retirement complex in Sketty Park. A council spokesman said landlords must ensure communal areas are safe. Mrs Thomas hung the picture of the Prince of Wales' investiture on the stairs outside her sheltered housing flat.



But the 2ft by 18ins photograph was taken by the warden. "It's just silly isn't it?" said Mrs Thomas, who has lived there for 13 years. The warden took them down by saying 'It's rules and regulations."

"Apparently the health and safety people said my picture may cause an obstruction or fall off if there was a fire. It is daft." The photo of the investiture ceremony at Caernarfon Castle in 1969 has a place in the pensioner's heart as she sang in the choir at the service. "I put the picture up to make it look less like a jail," she added.