News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Killjoy council chiefs have been forced into a U-turn after banning garden gnomes on health and safety grounds.

Linda Langford, 57, was told her two six-inch gnomes must be moved from outside her council flat because they were a “fire hazard” and people could trip over them.

Linda said: “It’s barmy. The idea my gnomes are dangerous in any way is ridiculous.”

But last night the councillor who drew up the rules backed down. At first Councillor Mahboob Hussain had said: “This is about fire regulations. Whatever people say, safety comes first.”

But later Mr Hussain apologised and said a housing association had misinterpreted his rules too strictly.

He said: “As long as there is not an excessive number of gnomes, or similar items they can stay.”

The ornaments – one hitting an anvil, the other reading a book – have stood in the corridor outside Linda’s home in Tipton, West Midlands, for the last nine years.

But they were deemed a to be hazard by Sandwell borough council along with a doormat and a welcome plaque.