ELF and safety has gone mad at an old people’s home in a row over Christmas decorations.

Residents of Silver Street sheltered scheme, in Kings Heath, said they were told they could not deck out their communal hall in festive style because their trimmings were considered a fire risk.

But the plucky band of pensioners, who lived through Birmingham’s Blitz, put up their decorations in defiance of the edict.

Irene Collins, aged 71 and a school head cook for 33 years, said city council officials had “advised against” residents putting up their three Christmas trees and other trimmings.

The grandmother-of-six said: “They’re being petty. It’s health and safety gone stupid.

“We’ve been through a war and now we’re told we can’t do this and that because of silly regulations.

“Christmas is a celebration of Christ and that is what we’re doing. The council is being a killjoy.”

Irene said her two daughters and son helped transform the common room and added: “It looks fabulous.”

Addressing city housing boss Coun John Lines at a council meeting, Kings Heath councillor Coun Emily Cox said: “Health and safety officials have told old people in my ward that they can’t put up baubles and tinsel And they can’t have paper tablecloths either.

“My residents lived through the Blitz. Why shouldn’t they be allowed to have tablecloths?

Coun Lines responded: “I am sure the officers concerned meant well. It’s possible they were over-zealous.