Residents' fury as 'petty' council orders them to tear out one-foot high picket fence they built to enliven their garden - because it is a 'trip hazard'

Published: 17:50, 10 July 2026 | Updated: 17:51, 10 July 2026 A 'petty' council has enraged its residents after demanding they tear down a one-foot high picket fence around their communal garden. Julian Philips, 80, put up the fence to spruce up the garden and stop it from being driven over and protect the flower garden for the 31 flats.  But the housing group Orbit, which owns the building in Helgate Court in Norwich, Norfolk, gave the pensioner seven days to remove the fence after claiming it was a 'trip hazard'.  Mr Philips said: 'I'll be annoyed if it is removed because I don't want people driving over the garden again. The fence is here to protect it. 'Everyone who lives in the flats here has said they are happy with how the garden looks now and have expressed how much better it is. 'Not one person has complained about the fence being in the way or being a trip hazard because I have done what I thought was necessary and it has been a success.' In an effort to enliven the garden, the 80-year-old had painstakingly dug up the existing 'mud field' to lay down grass and planted flowers before erecting the picket fence. But in a letter sent to Mr Philips, the association added that his 'quality of workmanship raises safety concerns and does not meet the required specifications and standards.' Julian Philips, 80, put up the fence to spruce up the garden and stop it from being driven over and protect the flower garden for the 31 flats - but the council has ordered him to take it down Housing group Orbit, which owns the building in Helgate Court in Norwich, Norfolk, gave the pensioners seven days to remove the fence after claiming it was a 'trip hazard' Pauline Taylor (right), 86, who also lives in the building, had been enjoying the new garden and criticised the move by Orbit Now the pensioners have threatened to chain themselves to the structure as they argue the transformation turned the site into a 'beautiful space which feels like home'. Pauline Taylor, 86, who also lives in the building, had been enjoying the new garden and criticised the move by Orbit. Ms Taylor said: 'This news is really sad because Julian's work is just brilliant and the transformation of the garden just makes it feel like home again. 'Orbit really is not thinking of our wellbeing because before Julian created this garden it looked horrible and was just full of mud... I'll chain myself to it, that's what I'll do.' Residents were told the fence needed to be removed by July 10. A spokesperson for Orbit said: 'We completely understand how much customers value their homes and the outdoor spaces around them, and we were really pleased to support customers at Helgate Court recently by providing turf for a garden area, which our own team laid for them. 'This concern relates to a separate fence and an extension to that area, which were added without the agreement of other customers and which reach into one of the parking spaces. 'Helgate Court has 31 homes and only six parking spaces, so every space matters, and several customers told us they were worried about the fence when parking, as well as the safety of neighbours who use walking aids or mobility scooters.' The company has said that while the garden - including the turf and flowers - can remain, it is continuing talks with the residents to 'find a solution'. The removal of the fence has currently been delayed to see if the tenants will agree to a proposed 'safe alternative for the area'.