They Don't Build Very Sturdy Lampposts...

...in Ferndown, Dorset:

Council chiefs fear stringing up the tiny, colourful plastic flags between sturdy metal posts could make the columns topple over and injure people.

No, it's not April 1st again. They claim this really could happen:

Rod Mainstone, Dorset County Council’s street lighting manager, sent guidance notes to town and parish councils which stated: ‘Street lighting columns are not generally designed to be strong enough to support any additional attachments.

‘Even relatively light additions such as a small sign can lead to considerable extra load being imposed on a column in strong wind.

‘Furthermore, internal corrosion, which cannot be seen, may have weakened the column and the additional load could lead to it collapsing.’

If your lamposts are so weak a bit of bunting will bring them down, are the residents of Ferndown safe as they walk the streets?

A Dorset County Council spokesman said the note was sent because it was risky attaching signs, banners or advertising to street lighting as some older columns may be in a worn structural condition.

‘Bunting hung between street lighting columns that stand close to the road can sag and become entangled in passing traffic, such as buses and lorries,’ the spokesman added.

I hope they are strong enough to support the weight of all those useless 'elf and safety 'experts' and pointless council staff someday...