An enraged pensioner has hit out at “bonkers” property managers who ordered residents to take down their “harmless” Christmas lights over claims they were causing “light pollution”.
Ronald Neil, 82, revealed he and other residents at Teddington Riverside in south-west London received an email on December 23 demanding they remove festive lights from their balconies.
Ronald, who has lived at the property with his wife for six years, said he has never been asked to take down his decorations before.
Speaking about the order, the retired journalist said: “People are very angry because all we’re doing is stringing these lights on our balconies as part of Christmas, and we’ve been told to remove them. It’s a perfectly innocent thing to do at this time of year.”
He estimated that between 10 and 15 properties were decorated, and admitted he did not comply with the initial instruction.
He said: “We switched them on anyway because the email didn’t arrive until 4pm.
“We wouldn’t win any prizes – it’s just 30 or 40 yards of tiny little lights strung along the balcony.
“They’re absolutely harmless and brighten up people’s balconies. To be told to remove them because it’s supposedly not in the lease or contract – I think it’s bonkers.”
The email, sent by property managers Urang Group, claimed: “Numerous complaints have been received regarding the Christmas lights being displayed on the balconies, which is a breach of lease.”
It urged all residents with light displays to remove them immediately.
However, a follow-up email on Christmas Eve softened the stance, apologising “for the distress” caused and suggesting residents could “maintain the Christmas cheer” by switching lights off at 10pm or dimming them during sleeping hours.
Ronald dismissed the justification as ludicrous, saying: “The place is not ablaze with light. I’m very glad the wise men were allowed to have a light so they could follow it.
“It seems to me that putting up a few Christmas lights at Christmas time is hardly breaking the law. We need to brighten up our lives right now, and anything that does that should be welcomed, not condemned.”
Despite the bizarre turn of events, Ronald says the situation hasn’t completely dampened his Christmas spirit but remains adamant the decision is “bonkers.”
Urang Group has been contacted for comment.
