NEIGHBOURS are worried their area could become a 'slum' under a new bin regime.

Fortis told residents in Brook Farm Drive, Malvern, they can no longer use a bin shelter because of 'health and safety' reasons.

Instead they must now put their rubbish in 12 wheelie bins on the lawn outside their flats.

However, Malvern Hills District Council say the wheelie bins are a temporary measure until larger communal versions arrive.

Ann Clack, of Brook Farm Drive, Malvern, said: "They [the bins] are an eyesore. We don't want to look like a slum area.

"Also, if a fox smells food in there he could quite easily knock them over and we would have rubbish all over the grass.

"We had a letter saying we can't use the bin shelter anymore. They have nailed up where we used to put the bags.

"I'm 80, I know that I haven't got to put my rubbish in there anymore, they didn't need to nail it. We are not kids."

Mrs Clack, aged 80, added that no one knows which bin is theirs, with all the residents currently sharing them.

She said: "I would like them to have a consultation with every resident.

"I don't want them out on the front lawn, if we have to have them I think around the back is fair enough."

Mrs Clack, who has lived in her flat for over 30 years, thinks residents are no longer allowed to put bags in the bin shed because general waste would be left there for two weeks.

Phil Merrick, head of economy and communities on Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We have been working with landlords, including Fortis, since November last year to prepare for the move to alternate weekly collections.

"In total we have identified 158 communal collection areas and found bespoke solutions for 154 of them.

"We are still negotiating on four of them but Brook Farm Drive is not one of those sites.

"In this case, what we have agreed with Fortis is to install larger communal waste and recycling bins and we are waiting for them to be delivered.

"As a temporary measure a number of household bins have been put in place but they will be removed once the communal bins are available. Where and how these are stored is a matter for Fortis.”

Catherine Cole, assistant director of housing and communities, added: "Fortis Living is working closely with its customers and local councillors to make sure there is adequate provision for bin storage in response to the changes to the refuse service in the Malvern area.

"Once agreed we will implement the new arrangements as soon as possible.”