Firefighters banned from using ladders

AMPTHILL, England, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Ampthill, England, have been banned from using their ladders in non-emergency situations.

For many years firefighters have helped remove decorations after festivals, but now they have been told it is too risky for them to help, The Daily Mail reported Monday.

The crews were not allowed to help clean up after the city's Gala Day, which took place in early July. Now, nearly four months later the decorations are still up and the city must decide how to take care of them.

Council member Mark Smith, the former mayor, said: "The reason the festival bunting is still up arises from the fact that due to local health and safety advice the local fire brigade is unable to take the bunting down."

The towns Web site, where locals can post ideas and opinions, has been flooded by complaints that the decorations are starting to look bad.