They are calling it “The People’s Slide” — but the authorities are not amused. The 12m-long, three-lane colossus drops 4.5m into a backard pool in Heathridge.

If you build up enough speed, you can get some air over the last hump and fly into the water.

Luke Newton, 25, a fitter and turner by trade, picked it up free and set it up in one day with the help of his mates.

He needed two trips with the biggest car trailer he could find to transport the slide and scaffolding from an old “indoor play centre”.

Camera Icon Luke Newton and the giant water slide he has erected in the back yard of his Heathridge home. Credit: Nic Ellis/The West Australian

It has been all the rage with his neighbours since the first rides on Saturday, but it could be on the scrap heap by Christmas.

Within minutes of a photo appearing on a Perth Facebook page on Tuesday, Mr Newton said he has a “nasty” phone call from the City of Joondalup.

Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob said the City contacted Mr Newton after a complaint from a resident worried about the risk of serious injury or death.

He said the slide breached local laws and there was no evidence it had been erected in line with the Building Code of Australia.

Mr Newton was asked to stop letting people use it and to take it down within 14 days. The City would not support planning and building approvals for the slide without drastic changes.

Camera Icon The backyard slide. Credit: Twitter/The Bell Tower Times

“The slide’s significant structure is also at odds with the amenity of the residential area due to its excessive height,” Mr Jacob said.

“By providing unrestricted access to the pool, the slide does not meet compulsory safety standards set by the State Government which are required for every private swimming pool in WA, as well as presenting a drowning risk.”

Mr Newton said he wanted to work with the City rather than fight against it. He said no children had gone down the slide and they would not be allowed to without parental permission.

Mr Newton said he had installed a platform with railings after the original photo was taken and he was willing to make more modifications to get it approved.

“I think it’s safe because I’m not stupid with it,” he said. “I’m not letting drunk people get on it.”

Though it would be frustrating for his work to go to waste, he said that was only part of the reason he was making a stand.

It was a source of innocent outdoors fun which did not need to be taken away.

“Neighbours who normally wouldn’t talk to each other have come over just to see the thing and look at it in awe,” Mr Newton said.