Families are furious that their new-build housing estate remains unfinished nearly one year after it was supposed to be completed.
Locals living on the Hollington Grange estate in Stoke-on-Trent have called on the developer to sort out the roads, pavements and drainage – and open the play area.
It comes after one motorist said their car windscreen was damaged by a loose stone and another resident spent £3,000 on drainage.
Families say they were told by the developer Keepmoat that the estate would be finished last summer.
They have also complained they have had to pay maintenance fees despite the streetlights not working in the middle of winter.
Others have said that the unopened playground on the estate in the Fegg Hayes area of Stoke has attracted antisocial behaviour.
Bruno Nunes, 42, who moved in last March, said: ‘We knew the development was not finished. We were aware it was still a building site.
‘We were told the work would be done by the end of summer 2024 but the roads and pavements have still to be finished.
Bruno Nunes (left) and neighbour Don Jose are unhappy with developer Keepmoat as the roads and pavements outside their homes remain unfinished
Don Jose, 40, with his children Maybel, aged eight, and Malot, aged four, wants developer Keepmoat to finish the roads and open the play area near their home
‘The uninspiring playground is not not signed off. When summer ended, about October, people started sending emails asking what was happening.
‘We were told it would be done by the end of the year. Then we were told February. We were then told spring.
‘We have had to pay the maintenance fees. The lighting is now ok. But the street was dark in the middle of winter.
‘The houses are sound in my opinion but there have been a lot of issues with the drainage. I just did the work myself. We spent £3,000 to get the garden to a decent standard. Every time they just ignored us.
‘Keepmoat has passed responsibility to the contractors. People are not unhappy with the estate. We just want it to be finished.’
Neighbour Don Jose, aged 40, who lives with his wife and two children, said: ‘The house is ok.
‘It is the unfinished state of the road. It is dangerous for the children. The play area is not open.
‘The edgings are not flat so children slip up. It needs tarmacking. I have finished my own garden.
‘I want the pavement sorted and the playground opening. The last email I received from them said they would be finished by the end of February and it has not been done.’
Kate Marriott, aged 26, moved into her home on the estate back in October 2023.
Pictured: The unfinished fenced off play area on the Hollington Grange estate in Fegg Hayes
She said: ‘I had a few problems but I am happy with the house eventually. My bath needed to be replaced three times. I do not think they care. I do not think they take me seriously.’
She said the play area being fenced off has attracted anti-social behaviour.
Kate added: ‘I would like to have a dropped kerb. I had to have a new windscreen on my car as it cracked from going up and down the kerb all winter.
‘I want the pavements finished. I just want to be able to get in and out of my drive.’
Keepmoat has now said that the roads on the estate should be finished within weeks.
It said it had also brought in consultants over the ‘reported drainage issues’ and that the play area is waiting to be signed off.
Peter Barlow, regional managing director at Keepmoat North West, said: ‘Keepmoat is working closely with residents to address their concerns and has set a timeline for contractors to complete the road improvements within weeks.
‘The playpark area has been finished, pending final RoSPA certification and we are consulting with specialists to identify the cause of the reported drainage issues.
‘Keepmoat is committed to creating developments that foster thriving communities and we will continue to support residents to ensure the improvements at Hollington Grange meet our high standards.’
