A COUPLE in Malvern could be fined for flytipping - after storing their children's toys under the communal stairwell at their block of flats.

Caroline and Keith Preece have been told by Elgar Housing Association that they have seven days to remove the toys, or be punished for the offence, which is usually reserved for

people dumping rubbish.

The couple, who have a girl aged three and a boy, two, say the items, including a mini-slide, a bike and a small scooter, are not posing any problem.

Mrs Preece, aged 37, of Elgar Avenue, said: "The stairs are outside and we tidy the toys under them every night.

"They are not in anyone's way, and in fact the other kids in the area get to use them as well.

"That's why I don't think anyone has complained. I think it is just the housing association being awkward.

"They have told us to put the toys in a shed, or to keep them in the house, but the shed we have is tiny and there is no room in the house either.

"Georgina and Ian are outdoor children and where the toys are now, it means I can keep an eye on them. Also, it means I can keep an eye on the toys as we had a bouncy castle stolen last year.

"Elgar Housing is halting the development of my kids because of what they see as a bit of a mess."

A spokeswoman for the housing association said: "We were acting on a complaint from a neighbour.

"We have no problems with the toys being in the garden but there are safety factors with it being under the stairwell and we have to minimise the possibility of any accidents."