FRUSTRATED residents say they have been left unable to open their windows or sit outdoors due to a ‘dust cloud’ from a neighbouring housing development.
Those living around Manders Croft in Southam currently have 51 homes being built nearby by developers Hayfield Homes.
But those living on the estate say the area has turned into a ‘dust bowl’ and they cannot hang their washing out. Some claim they are even forced to wash their cars every day to make them road-safe.
Southam North district Coun Tony Bromwich says the dust is being caused by constant traffic to and from the development and the work being carried out there .
He told the Observer: “Residents are in total despair. They have been subject to a dust pollution which resembles a scene from the American dust bowl of the 1930’s and in the current high temperatures they cannot leave windows open and make use of their gardens.
“The ongoing dust issue is now causing serious concerns among residents who are worried about potential health problems but Stratford District Council appear reluctant to act.
“On the Manders Croft estate residents have suffered a nightmare of a time with construction traffic blocking the roads and residents driveways and failure to maintain a proper road cleaning programme.
“People who work from home are struggling to operat businesses because of a combination of noise and dust pollution.”
Coun Bromwich says he and other residents have been told by the council that they must submit evidence before they can take action.
But he claims numerous photos have been sent in yet nothing has been done.
Stratford District Council says it has issued a temporary stop notice which will prevent work from continuing until plans to control the amount of dust are in place.
A spokeswoman said: “Following a number of complaints and site visits made by council officers, Stratford District Council has issued a notice which allows works to continue on site only when there is an effective dust suppression scheme in place in order to protect the amenity of the neighbouring properties.
“A second notice, a breach of condition notice has also been issued. This seeks to ensure the developer complies in full to their approved construction method statement. The developer has 28 days to comply with this notice.’
