Charles Bridges, 24, and wife Katie, 23, were "baffled" when they received a letter demanding they remove the silver decoration a week before Christmas Day because of health and safety fears.

The letter claimed that, because the £3.99 wreath was displayed in a "communal area", it could pose a fire risk.

The couple were also told that if they failed to take down the heart-shaped ornament, it would be confiscated from their housing association flat in Derby.

They received the letter from Derby Homes, which runs and maintains properties on behalf of Derby City Council, on Friday (15/12).

Mr Bridges, a carer, said: "It's absolutely ridiculous. It's health and safety gone mad.

The council and the housing association are acting like modern day Scrooges'.

"I'm a Christian and I should be allowed to decorate my house with Christmas decorations.

"The wreath doesn't contain lights, there's no electricity involved at all so I can't understand why it's a fire risk.

"I've got a Christmas tree, I've got Christmas lights in my house and I've got a fridge - should I remove all of them too in case they catch fire?

"We've had it up every year since we moved in four years ago, and it's never been a problem.

"It's heavy-handedness on the part of the council after what happened in Grenfell, but that was caused by a fridge freezer, not a wreath.

"I understand that they want to keep people safe, but I think in this case they have followed the policy to a tee and failed to apply common sense."

Mrs Bridges added: "Obviously common sense has been lost. If it had lights or used up electricity then I could understand, but it doesn't, so I don't.

"It's Christmas, for goodness sake. It's going to be up for two or three weeks, and that's it.

"It has put a bit of a blot on the festive season because you want to be able to put up your decorations and not worry about the consequences.

"Other neighbours further down the street have had similar letters, and I just think it's a real shame.

"I called Derby Homes to challenge the letter and they told me it has always been their policy.

"But I've had a wreath every year on my front door and they haven't complained until now.

"They said because my front door is visible from the hallway, which is a communal area, I'm not allowed the wreath as it's a fire hazard.

"The only possible way it could be a fire hazard is if someone set it on fire.

"I just think their reaction is completely over the top. They said they will confiscate it themselves if I don't remove it today but I'm not taking it down.

"We're still gobsmacked really. How dare they threaten to throw away my property?"

Writing to the couple, an official from Derby Homes said: "The following items have been found in the communal areas: A decoration on door as it is a fire risk.

"If this belongs to you please remove it by 18/12/17. If it is not removed by this date it will be disposed of.

"Derby Homes tenancy conditions say that communal area must be kept clear and tidy."

A spokesman for Derby Homes said: "This time of year is often difficult as we have to balance our responsibilities as a landlord to keep residents safe, whilst allowing people to celebrate the holiday period.

The property on Quarn Way is a flat, within a block of flats.

Its door opens onto a communal stairwell and entrance.

"Most communal areas in the properties we manage do not have any fire detection or extinguishing systems fitted.

"The principles of fire prevention are based on communal areas being 'sterile areas' and we have implemented such a policy for general use blocks of flats and certain sheltered schemes for a number of years.

"The policy requires the communal corridors, landings and stairwells of properties to be designated a 'clear zone' (sterile area), free of all extraneous items.

"It aims to limit or remove sources of ignition and combustion; items that may help sustain or spread fire; and items that may form an obstacle or trip hazard during emergency escape.

"Adopting this practice as part of our fire risk assessments ensures we meet our legal obligations towards fire management and comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO).

"We realise that it may seem over the top to be demanding removal of these decorations as many may seem harmless and to pose little risk.

"Allowing specific items whilst denying others presents a larger management problem, given the number of flats we manage.

"We would encourage all of our tenants and leaseholders who live in flats to decorate the insides of their homes for seasonal celebrations.

"However, this rule must continue to be upheld if we are to value the safety of all of our residents, which is our first priority."