Street left in a state by builders mess (From Southend Standard)

Street left in a state by builders mess

3:20pm Saturday 12th January 2013 in Echo News By Luke Lambert

MESS caused by builders is leaving the residents of one Wickford street stuck in the mud.

Thick ‘treacle-like’ clay water and mud blocking up drains are just some of the problems facing the residents of Waverley Crescent, which is next to the building site for Bloor Homes.

Bloor Homes began building 68 new homes on land off Downham Road and have been plagued by the rain since they started works but it is residents complaints that are flooding in.

Kay Allen, from Waverley Crescent, says the road is an absolute mess and understands heavy rain hasn’t helped but says it wouldn’t take much for the builders to be more considerate.

She said: “They never sweep and always leave it in a right state. I took my son to school and there are giant clay puddles that must have measured about 40ft by 20ft. There are a number of elderly people living nearby and it is a real obstacle course for them at times. "

Mrs Allen says she has spoken to Highway Patrol and they are looking into it.

She said: “They start their work at 7am and it is so loud. My son came and said to me the other day that the windows of his bedroom were shaking. It is a bit of a nightmare.”

A spokesperson for Basildon Council said: “Before granting permission for the development, the applicants had to demonstrate the site would not create risks caused by flooding to future residents of the development or those living on neighbouring land.

"The planning application was accompanied by a number of technical documents, including a flood risk assessment, surface water drainage strategy and foul water strategy to ensure these issues were fully considered in consultation with the specialist bodies.

"The application also includes proposals for a new drainage system and additional measures that will deal with many of the issues raised by residents.

"It is anticipated that in the long term these measures will reduce the risk of flooding in the future. However, we are keeping in contact with both the developer and Essex County Council."

A spokesperson for Bloor Homes said: “We always look to work with the local residents when involved in building works such as these. We have Principle Contractor’s at the site to check it and the ditches are now clear of all mud. We sweep as regularly as possible but the builders have only just returned from the Christmas break although water levels were monitored over this period.”

If any residents want to speak with Bloor Homes, they should call Head Office on 01530 270100.