Prestwick OAP's fury as South Ayrshire Council brand his garden's astroturf a "health and safety risk"

Officials have ordered the removal of the fake turf from outside the bungalow of Ken Gilbertson.

A 90-year-old man has been warned to get rid of the neat artificial grass on his front steps.

But Ken Gilbertson – who only has one leg – insists: “It’s health and safety gone mad.

“They say I will fall . . . I haven’t even been near to falling.

“And if I do it is at my risk.”

A warden at the pensioners’ bungalows in Prestwick has intervened over Ken’s pride and joy.

The warden told South Ayrshire Council and housing officer Roseann Jess wrote a letter telling Ken to take it away.

She said astroturf is non slip resistant and does not comply with Building Standards.

The letter states: “This poses a health and safety risk as a trip/slip hazard.

“Not only to you, but anyone accessing your home.”

Ken is a well-known character in Prestwick and Ayr and buzzes about on his electric buggy.

He was an aircraft handler at Glasgow Airport and lost his leg when a plane on push-back turned the wrong way and ran over him.

His green, green grass of home and garden ornaments helps brighten the frontage to his home.

He said: “People say what I have done at the front enhances the area.”

“I don’t want to take the grass away.”

And his daughter Lesley Graham added: “It’s a disgrace.

“Dad keeps his area nice and even in his 90th year he does well.”

Prestwick folk are also backing old Ken.

Gillian McDowall said: “Ken’s wee garden is lovely and he’s such a gentleman about the complex.

“He has a wee gift for every occasion for his neighbours and making sure they are all ok even though he’s probably the oldest on his row.”

And Marilyn Cameron added: “Every time I walk past this wee house it always makes me smile.

“Leave the man alone, let people enjoy his wee oasis.”

A South Ayrshire Council spokesman confirmed they would not be backing down.

He said: “The health and wellbeing of our tenants is always a priority.

"During routine checks around the sheltered housing unit, it was noticed that artificial turf had been laid on the access ramp and steps at the entrance to the property.

“The ramp and steps are the only entrance and must be kept clear of any potential hazards that could lead to trips or falls by the tenant or anyone else approaching or accessing the property.

“On this basis, the housing support worker asked the tenant to make arrangements to remove the artificial turf.

“Unfortunately not all the artificial turf was removed, so the housing officer has asked that arrangements are made by the tenant for this to be done.

“In order to ensure that health and safety is observed, we would always encourage our tenants to seek advice and permission from the council before making any alterations to their home.”