Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue service and Stroud District Council have made a film to highlight the dangers of cluttered corridors.

The film is designed to teach residents living in accommodation with communal hallways to not store anything in them.

The two-minute film recreates what it is like to try and escape from a building during a fire.

A disused sheltered housing unit was filled with smoke and councillors and members of the council’s housing team, who had the benefit of breathing equipment, had to find their way to safety.

Items were placed in the corridor to make the task more difficult.

Councillor Mattie Ross, chairman of SDC’s Community Services and Licensing Committee, said: “Getting out sounded simple, but once the flat was filled with smoke it was really disorientating.

“Once I started walking to where I thought the door was, I realised I’d lost it. Although it was a simulation it really was quite frightening.

Councillor Chas Townley, chairman of the council’s Housing Committee, added: “It is so important that hallways are kept clear of any obstruction and this video is a stark reminder of that.”

Alan Coates, the council’s Principal Health & Safety Officer, said: “We know that people find it tempting to store items like outside their flats, but if there was a fire you would have zero visibility – you or your neighbour would likely trip over and when you’re trying to escape every second counts.”

Sally Waldron, Prevention and Protection Manager for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said: “It’s really important people understand the need to keep communal areas free from objects. It’s equally important to keep fire doors shut – they’re there for a reason.

The film can be seen on the council’s Facebook page and Twitter account.