Elderly and disabled people were today vowing to defy a council ban on parking their electric buggies outside their homes.

They were fuming at the move - by Rochford Council - which also accuses some residents of stealing electricity from the council.

The council says it is enforcing a ban which stops people from leaving their buggies in corridors and stairwells in its buildings as it claims they are a fire hazard.

In a notice to residents, the council adds that using electrical sockets in corridors is not allowed as "this is in fact stealing electricity from the council."

Residents at Goodmans, a sheltered housing scheme in High Street, Great Wakering, signed a letter of protest against the council's orders.

Published Tuesday November 25, 2003

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