Wagon load of trouble
A CONTROVERSIAL housing development in a Wear Valley town has once again sparked anger among the neighbours.Residents on Heather Lane in Crook were furious after 30-tonne wagons forced their way along the narrow road, churning up turf and, they claim, risking damage to gas and water supplies.
The lorries had to mount the pavements and grass verges in order to deliver storm drains to the Holystone Construction site, but after a power cut a few weeks ago, one resident said it was only a matter of time before the works caused loss of gas and water.
The man, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The gas and water lines run beneath the pavement, and having those big lorries drive over them will eventually damage them and stop our supply.
“We don’t blame the drivers or the construction workers. They are only doing their job. What we are angry about is that Durham County Council has said this road is suitable when it patently isn’t.
“We are also angry that twice this development was rejected by Wear Valley District Council but some bloke from Bristol (Planning Inspectorate official) approved it even though he only spent 20 minutes in the field and didn’t talk to any of the residents.”
A spokesman from Miller Homes insisted that they were doing everything they could to minimise the impact of the construction on the surrounding properties. He said: “We are always trying to make sure we keep any damage caused to a minimum, and we have already started repairing some of the tracks made on the verges.
“The wagons carrying the segments are staggered every half an hour so we hope to avoid too much disruption. It is our aim to get this part of the build completed as quickly as possible, and we will happily listen to any concerns.”
READ THE STORY IN FULL IN THIS WEEK'S WEAR VALLEY MERCURY
