BACK in May 1985 it was reported that flat dwellers had given a Churchillian type gesture to their landlady who ordered them to take down VE Day anniversary bunting.

The nine residents at Seacroft Court, Teignmouth, strung up rows of Union Jacks and patriotic pictures of royalty outside the seafront block.

But they were dumbfounded to receive a letter from the agent of the owner, Marjorie Ridd, who also lives on the premises, saying it had all been erected without permission and should be removed immediately.

The row made national headlines.

‘We are amazed that anybody could be so petty and insensitive to try and spoil VE Day celebrations,’ declared Peter Shimmell, the chairman of the tenants’ association and a local builder.

‘We have no intention of taking down the bunting until we are ready, and it will also go up again on VJ Day in July.

‘All the residents here are mature and remember VE Day.

‘I served in Burma in the RAF; another resident was also in the war; one man lost his father at Dunkirk, and there are three widows of of wartime servicemen.

‘We fought the war to rid ourselves of tyrants and dictators and are appalled at the sheer stupidity of the letter.

‘The bunting is tied up with string and can do no damage whatsoever to the building, and could hardly be called an eyesore.’

The tenants who all bought their flats on 99-year leases have been locked in a legal battle with Mrs Ridd for six years in a dispute over management and maintenance costs levied by her.

The letter from managing agent Brian Godfrey reminds the association that Mrs Ridd is the owner and has responsibility for the exterior of Seacroft Court and the forecourt area.

‘Therefore, would you please remove the decorations immediately and note that in future a request in writing should be placed prior to the event.’

Mrs Ridd said all the tenants had signed leases which stipulated they must no not put anything on the outside of the building.

‘It is my freehold and they are well aware of this.

‘If they do not take it down then I will consider taking further action.

‘As it is the only building in the town with bunting up, I do not want people to think it is anything to do with me.

‘Even Westminster Abbey did not have bunting up, and I do not think it was a day for bunting – it was a day for thanksgiving.’