Television programmes like Changing Rooms and Ground Force have proved good entertainment value.

How many of us would envy having a house makeover or a new-look garden, at TV's expense.

When the experts move in, you can generally be assured it will be a job well done. Problems can arise, however, when amateurs try to emulate them with a spot of DIY, as Oxford City Council has found to its cost.

It has a policy of allowing tenants to make minor alterations to their homes, on condition they tell the housing officer what they plan to do.

But some are going too far by ripping out walls and wiring, and leaving their homes, themselves and their families at risk.

No doubt programmes like Changing Rooms have played a part in encouraging people to get out of their armchairs and flex their muscles.

There is also a question of cost. A DIY job will generally cost much less than getting in the professionals.

But if it means that families are in danger of being electrocuted or buried under tons of rubble, it is a practice that must stop.