HEALTH-CONSCIOUS pensioners in sheltered housing have blasted barmy council officers who have told them not to use their treadmill.

For the past three years, the treadmill at Arthur Barnes Court, in Chadwell St Mary, has served to help pensioners regain fitness and lower blood pressure after heart and hip operations.

But Thurrock Council has decided it is no longer "safe".

Marjorie Briggs, 81, said: "I'm outraged that they want to take this away from us. I've had a quadruple bypass and I use the treadmill because it's safer than walking to the shops."

Residents have been taught how to use the treadmill and signed disclaimer forms which make sure the council is in the clear should there be an accident.

Marjorie added: "The council is not supporting the general condition of the place. I don't know how they can call the treadmill a health and safety risk. Residents rely on it for exercise." A resident, who asked not to be named, added: "I come over to the communal lounge to use the treadmill every day. Walking to the shops hurts my back.

"The council should be worrying about fixing the pavements around the complex. That is a real health and safety issue."

Sue MacPherson, the council's cabinet portfolio holder for housing, felt it was an over-reaction from the council.

She said: "There are too many goody two shoes out there, wanting to wrap people up in cotton wool. You've got to take a common sense view of this rather than rush in and remove this equipment.

"I will be instructing council officers to look into this further, to see what is required by law and what we can do to help maintain this facility."

Thurrock council has stood by it's decision.