SILLY bureaucracy demanded that John and Maggie Briggs remove flower-filled hayracks from the wall of their Grade II listed home, a converted barn at Walkden Stubbs, near Whitely Bridge.

These pleasant adornments were condemned for being like the "domestic trappings of a suburban housing estate". Thankfully, such snooty sentiments were put aside after Selby Council conservation officers visited the house. For once, common sense prevailed and the hayracks can stay.

Thank heavens for that.

Updated: 10:09 Monday, September 10, 2001