A mother from St Albans has launched a campaign to change a council policy and recycle unwanted flooring.
Pia Honey, 53, started the campaign after learning that council house tenants often move into their new homes to find that carpets and wooden flooring have been removed, in a practice that leaves floors unfurnished.
The campaign was brought to a head recently after Pia was contacted by a local parent who told her that her three-year-old son was injured after falling down the stairs at home, due to unfurnished floors.
Pia said she hasn’t found a “single person” who has been asked if they want to keep their flooring, and even if they request it, “they’re told no”.
With the help of many generous contributions, Pia has filled large shipping containers with 95 per cent new flooring, which she distributes to those in need.
She has assisted more than 50 individuals and is now striving to extend the concept across the whole of the UK.
Pia explained: “I’m just trying to reverse some of the damage the council has done. I don’t see why they [the council] must gut every single property with this blanket policy. Common sense will tell you if you have flooring and it’s adequate and there’s nothing wrong with it, why are you filling landfill?”
A St Albans City & District Council spokesperson said: “As a council, we are committed to recycling and preserving precious resources as part of our main priority of tackling the climate emergency.
“This is demonstrated by the fact that we now have the best recycling rate for household waste in the whole of the country.
“We are happy to discuss our flooring policy for our social housing with Pia and will consider any suggestions for improvement.
“All tenants are made aware of the policy, which is based on the best practice of other local authorities and housing associations.”
To view the petition, visit bit.ly/3wwfkJY
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