Housing bosses have ordered a devastated, elderly couple to remove a treasured bench that has been outside their Beckenham home for 14 years.

Landlord Affinity Sutton has told Ellen and George Younger, of Chislet Close, to dismantle their much loved outdoor seating area because it is a fire hazard.

But Mrs Younger, who has been married to 85-year-old husband George for 60 years in October, said it is one of the few places they can sit and be happy.

The 76-year-old, whose husband is severely disabled, told News Shopper: "George is at the hospital three days a week and he likes to sit out there when he comes home.

"That bench is his only little bit of pleasure. It was alright with the landlord when we moved in 14 years ago, so I don’t see what’s changed now."

Mrs Younger said a woman from Affinity Sutton told her on September 9 she had two weeks to remove the bench and her plants before the housing provider takes it away for her.

"She said it is a fire hazard and that people might not be able to get through. There is an 8 foot gap there, so how big are these people supposed to be?" Mrs Younger said.

News Shopper:

"I have been a good tenant here. It’s not as if I’m causing any trouble. It’s ridiculous. I’m so upset about it; I think it’s disgusting, I really do."

The couple, who are both retired, have seven children, 23 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Mrs Younger said she gets lovely comments from her neighbours about the seating area.

She said: "Everybody compliments it. They say it really brightens the place up."

News Shopper:

An Affinity Sutton spokesperson said: "As a responsible landlord we must ensure that there is nothing stored in communal areas which could potentially restrict a means of escape in the case of a fire.

"We cannot allow flexibility in this policy and the approach meets our legislative requirement to ensure the fire safety standards for our properties as well as our moral obligations to our residents."