Builder pledges to clear up ‘disgraceful’ footpath
AHOUSING developer has pledged to clear up a “disgraceful” mess left behind by workers on a new footpath.
It follows criticisms from councillors regarding the construction of a pedestrian link to the St Nicholas Manor Estate in Cramlington.
Coun Mark Swinburn described the situation as “disgraceful,” while Coun Wayne Daley criticised an apparent “lack of pride” in the work.
The estate is being constructed by Bellway and Persimmon. Persimmon have blamed the issues on contractors and say they have “ordered” waste materials left behind to be removed “as soon as possible”.
It is not the first time there have been issues on the estate on Station Road. In October, Coun Swinburn expressed dissatisfaction with work, citing a “lack of care and concern”.
Coun Swinburn raised the issue again in March, describing the area as a “complete mess”. At the time, Persimmon said it was in contact with contractors to ensure the site was tidied and any outstanding work was completed.
Speaking on the latest issue, Coun Swinburn said: “The footpath is fine but concerns have already been raised by residents regarding the unacceptable and disgraceful state that the area has been left in. “People are saying the council should get it sorted, but it’s private land, it’s not council land and we can’t just go on and do it. “We just have to push the contractors to do it. They’ve left a pile of mess – I’m sick to death of this.”
Coun Daley, who represents the Cramlington North ward, added: “There is no pride in what they have done. It’s almost like a cowboy builder mentality. “That is not what people pay
It’s private land, it’s not council land and we can’t just go on and do it Coun Swinburn
for – they’re paying for a house that is in a community. If I was doing my driveway and I chucked the rubbish onto public grass like that, I would be done for fly-tipping.”
House builder Persimmon have blamed the mess on a third party. A Persimmon North East spokesperson said: “We’re pleased that residents are happy with the recent works on the St Nicholas Manor development.
“We are aware however that a third party has left some materials on site and so we have ordered these to be removed as soon as possible.”