AN expectant mum and her concerned partner claim that cold-hearted housing chiefs are forcing them onto the streets.

The joy of pregnancy has been tainted for April Tones, aged 22, and Matt Sindaco, 25, because in two weeks they will be homeless.

The pair have been on the Spa Housing Association's waiting list since 2002 and are expecting their first child in the autumn.

April and Matt both work full-time but cannot afford to buy a home in Droitwich and say renting privately is now too expensive. They are not entitled to any benefits.

They called on Spa Housing in May when the tenancy agreement for their Westbury Avenue studio required renewal.

April said: "We agreed that the open plan flat was not suitable for a newborn and we would not be able to afford the rent when we have a child to look after."

They declined a new contract and must move in two weeks.

The young couple cannot even return to their parents' homes, because April's family is about to relocate abroad and Matt's mum and dad live in a small Worcester cottage, where a sofa is their only option.

April, who is off work with stress, said: "We are hard working people and want to do the best by our child. We are willing to become tenants or buy a property on the HomeChoice scheme but to be honest, Spa Housing have been very unhelpful and cold-hearted.

"They say we are intentionally homeless and can only offer us advice but our circumstances have forced us into this position."

Wychavon District Council handles the waiting list.

Its revenues and housing manager, Kath Smith, said: "We have followed all possible procedures which would include a request to review the case."

Cllr Roy Seabourne (Lab - West) hopes to help the young family. "This emphasises the inadequacies of current housing legislation," he said.