More than 160 residents at a housing estate in Caerphilly have launched a petition calling for immediate action after becoming tired of a lack of progress on finishing roads and pathways on the estate.
Residents of the Kingsmead estate have grown tired with developers Taylor Wimpey, as uneven and potholed roads, unfinished pavements, broken curbstones and concrete filled drains remain despite some people having lived at the site for over four years.
Lawson Symmonds, a resident on the estate, told Caerphilly Observer: “I have lived here for four years now, and the roads are as bad as they have ever been.
“This is a case of Taylor Wimpey dragging their heels. Kingsmead is a lovely estate, and we have developed a real sense of community here, but we have just had enough now.”
As well as the state of the roads, many residents have also highlighted concerns about temporary toilets being set up next to people’s gardens and a disabled pathway that connects the estate to local shops remaining unusable.
Recent heavy rain has also resulted in flooding with drains either blocked or completely filled with concrete.
Cllr James Pritchard, who has been working with residents regarding their concerns, said that Taylor Wimpey had admitted they are in breach of Section 38 – the agreement between developers and local authorities over the adoption of responsibility for highways.
Mr Pritchard said: “Unfortunately Taylor Wimpey have demonstrated little regard for local residents over the years through their very poor customer service. We now know the developer is in breach of their agreement to complete the roads on time.
“There needs to be a complete turnaround to ensure the job is finished as quick as possible, so we’ve asked for additional workers to be drafted in from elsewhere.
“We do not feel this is an unreasonable request for one of the largest British-based house building companies.”
It is understood that work to complete the access path to the local shops is currently being held up by a land dispute between the developer and the landowner, while several properties on the estate have been paid for but remain unoccupied.
Speaking on behalf of the residents who have signed the petition, a spokesman said: “What we would like to see happen is action taking place. We’d like to see an honest, concrete date set for completion, ideally phase by phase so everyone knows when to expect progress.
“If the internal roads of the site can be finalised, it would give the residents more faith that at least the ball is rolling, and eventually the entrance will be also be concluded.
“I would like to thank those involved who have taken the time to read through the residents’ comments, to see the daily frustrations we are having.”
A spokeswoman for Taylor Wimpey said: “We understand the frustration of residents at our Kingsmead development and would like to assure them that we are committed to completing the roads and sewers to an adoptable standard as quickly as possible.
“Completion work to the roads and sewers is currently underway and we are in regular contact with local councillors regarding this.”
The spokeswoman also confirmed that Kingsmead is an active development, but the remaining work on houses is internal.