FIRE extinguishers are being removed from sheltered housing across the Stroud district.

After a review of fire safety procedures for its 26 complexes, Stroud District Council has decided to take most extinguishers away from them.

They have now been removed and instead, in the event of a fire, residents are being urged to leave the building and call the fire service.

Chris Smith, chairman of the trustees of the charity SAVEDusap, which represents residents of secure accommodation, said that the decision was “draconian”.

“Every sheltered housing site has residents who are perfectly capable of being able to understand and use a fire extinguisher safely,” he said.

“This decision was made without any of us being informed and does not make much sense at all.

“If a small fire breaks out we are now being told to call the fire service, but often the fire will already be out by the time they arrive or it will have grown to be much bigger, and cause much damage.

“This is yet another example of Stroud District Council implementing something without any consultation with residents.”

The council is asking residents not to tackle fires themselves.

A spokesman for Stroud District Council said: “We have recently reviewed fire safety in our sheltered housing schemes, and, following current guidance from the LGA (Local Government Association), removed fire extinguishers from our sheltered units, with the exception of service rooms that house electrical and heating equipment. 

“We don’t expect our sheltered residents to tackle a fire. 

“The guidance we give residents is that if a fire occurs in their flat or communal part of the building then residents in those areas leave the building and phone the fire and rescue service. 

“If they are not directly affected by the fire, their front door will act as a barrier to fire and smoke, so they should `stay put, stay safe’ and remain in their flat unless they feel that they are in danger, or are directed otherwise by the emergency services.

“Site officers carry out a weekly fire inspection in every sheltered scheme and we have provided fire blankets in every shared kitchen, where the majority of fires start.

“We also remind residents to keep fire doors shut so that fire and smoke does not spread, and ensure that communal areas are clear of clutter so they can escape or be rescued easily if necessary.”