How many men does it take to move a mattress?

Well this story just takes the biscuit. It is political correctness gone completely mad. The story unfolds, in Little Lever, near Bolton, Greater Manchester. Householders reported a discarded mattress to the local authorities assuming that it would be quickly removed by a couple of council workers.

Unfortunately, before the residents made the call they did not take into consideration the health and safety requirements of Bolton Metropolitan Council.

In accordance with requirements an official was punctually sent to the scene to complete a risk assessment report.

The conclusion was that the only safe method to ensure the safe removal of the mattress was to scoop it up in a 1.7 ton JCB digger – consequently, this decision involved not one but four individuals. Foremost required were the services of a driver, additionally needed was a banksman to guide him, and two officials to make sure the job was completed properly.

Obviously, it would take time to arrange this so the council reported that it would be a week at least before the item would be removed. Luckily sense prevailed and a local councillor and a cafe owner worked together to drag the offending mattress onto the roadside and on Monday the mattress was removed and taken to a nearby tip in the back of a council van.

The proactive councillor, Sean Hornby, said: “I’m not saying it was an easy job, but it took us four minutes to move it. The council’s approach is barmy – it’s health and safety gone mad”.

The other sensible thinking individual was Paul Richardson, 63, who operates the Village Tea Rooms, said: “The council official’s handling of the situation was just to tick boxes.

“Risk assessment has taken over from common sense. I’m sure some of the council’s workers would have been capable of doing this because it was quite easy to move. The council is too loose with our money.''

The response from Bolton Council was that the on-site assessment had been completed by a trainee together, with the council’s “performance and improvement team”.

The official had determined that the most suitable course of action was to use mechanical equipment in this instance.

Now we know the official answer on how many men it takes to move a mattress!!