A HOSPICE has been warned it could lose its tenancy after a resident complained about toys being left outside its shop.

St Helena Hospice received a letter from its Brightlingsea shop’s management company, Remus, informing them by displaying items outside their two shops in Osbornes Court, they were restricting access to the car park.

It meant the hospice was in breach of its lease.

Ian Daniels, St Helena Hospice’s head of retail, said: “In the past our Brightlingsea shop has relied on outdoor space to house some of our larger items for sale such as prams, high chairs, large toys and small pieces of furniture.

“Following the letter we have moved as much of our stock as we could fit inside the stores and have unfortunately had to return some of the larger items to our warehouse as our shops aren’t big enough to fit all the items we usually sell.”

Supporters of the hospice have been up in arms about the complaint.

Mr Daniels added: “We would like to assure the public our shop is open as usual and we will continue to sell a selection of toys and children’s clothes in one shop, and clothes, accessories, bric-a-brac in the other, along with small pieces of furniture in both stores, where we have the room.

“We are still accepting donations to the shops, but we would advise if you would like to donate any items, particularly larger ones, that you check with the shop manager first we’re able to accept them.

“We are extremely fortunate our Brightlingsea stores are much loved by the community and we are extremely grateful for their continued support.

“I know many of the residents are upset by this complaint – it’s lovely to see how much they care about our shops.”