RESIDENTS of a Romsey block of flats have been threatened with fines unless they remove their Christmas decorations.

Aster Group, a housing company, stuck post-it notes on two decorations and a door mat at Normandy House, Chambers Avenue, Romsey earlier this week.

The notes read “Please remove this item in seven days or we will remove and recharge.”

Aster believe that the decorations in the hall way are a fire hazard.

In October, residents were asked to remove plants, hanging baskets, curtains and pictures from the block of six flats when Aster said it was declaring “zero tolerance” of furnishings.

Resident Marcus White, who was affected by the threat, said: “My neighbours and I think Aster has gone too far.

"The decorations improve the appearance of the block and the door mats protect our homes.”

Aster Housing Officer, Imogen Nicoll, said: “I can confirm that Aster worked closely with the Fire and Rescue Service.

"Joint site visits took place amongst a number of sites and many conversation were had as to fire safety and personal items in communal areas.

"After much discussion, Aster adopted the zero tolerance approach across group.

"Aster have taken a zero tolerance approached based upon the Local Government guidance for purpose built flats: This approach, in which residents are not permitted to use the common parts to store their belongings, including door mats, ensures the environment is free from combustible material, ignition sources and obstructions."

Councillor Mark Cooper, who represents the Tadburn ward on the borough council, said he would contact Aster Group to ask them to “act reasonably”.

He said: “I strongly believe that if residents personalise their communal areas it shows it shows care for their environment and encourages people 'passing through' to respect the space.”

The post-it notes were placed on Wednesday, December 11.

This comes as residents from over 2,000 homes in Southampton have been banned from hanging Christmas wreaths.

The ban was introduced by Radian Housing, who provide 2,800 homes in the city, as the decoration could “continue the spread of fire”.