ELDERLY residents have been left stunned after discovering they are banned from having visitors in the communal areas of their sheltered accommodation.

Rules set by Oxford City Council mean those who live in sheltered accommodation it manages can only entertain visitors in their flats, unless they are named on the tenancy agreement or are their spouse or partner.

But some Wood Farm residents said their homes are too small to have more than a couple of visitors, meaning their children cannot bring grandchildren to visit.

Atkyns Court resident Les Godwin said he had only been made aware of the rules at the end of last month, although the council says the rules have been in place for several years.

The 67-year-old said he now fears his family will not be able to visit him at the 24-flat sheltered accommodation block. He said: “We had a meeting with the council on May 29 because we were going to hold a table-top sale to raise money and the council said we couldn’t without insurance.

“Then they said we cannot have outsiders into our community areas for tea unless they are on the tenancy agreement.

“My daughter and her two kids wanted to visit and I cannot fit them all in my own flat. They could not come as they’re not on the tenancy agreement.

“It is getting too far-fetched, we are feeling we are living like prisoners in our own homes.”

Fellow Atkyns Court resident Mary Nichols, who has lived at the sheltered accommodation for five years, said she only became of aware of the rules during the meeting on May 29.

The 78-year-old said: “From my point of view it is not convenient because I have such a small flat.

“If everybody who wanted to visit came I could not fit them all in my flat.

“They liked to come and sit in the communal area and chat with the other residents because they all knew each other.”

“I squeeze them into my flat but it is pretty uncomfortable.”

City council director of housing and property services Stephen Clarke said: “The council encourages all residents to make the most of the shared space it provides. However, all tenants share that space equally, so events held there have to be supported by all residents.

“This guidance is provided in the tenancy agreement and covers all council sheltered accommodation. A copy of the agreement is on our website.”