Authorities were summoned to mediate a dispute involving senior citizens and their assisted living facility concerning a selection of flowers.
The law enforcement officers responded to a retirement community in Exminster, Devon, following reports of ‘hostile behavior’.
The event unfolded after a verbal conflict arose among residents regarding a bouquet situated in the communal corridor.
Several inhabitants opted to place the faux flowers on a window ledge within the hallway.
However, another resident asserted that the flowers constituted a fire hazard and threatened the safety of others residing in the building.
As a result, the organization responsible for managing the flats—The Guinness Partnership—was called upon to investigate the matter.
Upon their arrival, management requested that the residents relocate the flowers into one of their apartments instead.
Nevertheless, shortly thereafter, the residents expressed their desire to keep the flowers visible on the communal window ledge to ‘liven up the environment’.
The residents contend that the other tenant called the authorities, who were notified to manage ‘hostile behavior’.
Devon and Cornwall police verified that upon their arrival, everything was found to be in good order.
Ian Hunter, who arranged the flowers, remarked: ‘I decided to place the flowers on the landing window and suddenly all chaos ensued.
‘All of this hubbub over a simple bouquet—it seems so petty and juvenile. I had representatives from the Trust telling me it was a fire risk. I was in disbelief at what was unfolding.
‘I handed the flowers to Tom; I’m tired of looking at them now.’
Thomas, a resident and companion of Ian, commented: ‘The individual reported to the police and two officers arrived to address this matter. For some inexplicable reason, the Guinness Partnership showed up the day he made his complaint and insisted we take the flowers down.
‘They were merely plastic flowers in a vase at the top of the shared stairwell leading to two of my friends’ flats. We merely wished to beautify the spot with some red flowers.
‘The police seemed to just be trying to calm things down. If they truly believed it was a fire hazard, why didn’t the fire department respond?’
A representative from The Guinness Partnership stated: ‘Communal hallways are shared areas for all residents to utilize and appreciate. One resident expressed a desire for the artificial flowers to be removed.’
‘We understand that one resident may have contacted the police after a disagreement about this situation.’
Devon and Cornwall Police added: ‘Police were summoned at 3.50pm on September 27 to Deepway Lane, Exminster, following a report of aggressive behavior at a residence. An officer arrived and confirmed that everything was satisfactory.’
Get in touch with our news team by reaching us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more articles like this, visit our news page.
