Anger over developer's solution to churned-up grass verge on new Northamptonshire housing estate

Residents on a new housing estate have been left furious after the developers placed boulders on a cut-up verge instead of replacing the grass.

Lorries and large cars often use the verge on Sharpe Street in the Oak View development in Towcester to park or get past other vehicles.

That has left it churned up and muddy, which Redrow Homes decided it would be best to instal rocks to stop motorists using it and some signs.

But homeowners like Roger Monk are worried they are a safety hazard for drivers, pedestrians and children who often play in the cul-de-sac.

"Most residents are upset about this dereliction of duty from Redrow as they are taking no interest in our concerns," he said.

With no pavement to use, Mr Monk said the verge is often needed for pedestrians to get out of the way of large vehicles or when two cars pass each other but that is not so easy with the boulders in the way.

"The boulders will also be a danger to children playing on bikes or scooters outside their homes imagine hitting one at 12mph if you come off your bike head first," he added.

Mr Monk believes a reinforced grass verge could be installed, like those used at festivals, but this suggestion has been rejected.

"We are very lucky to live here and Redrow were fantastic when we bought our home and moved in but they are now overwhelmed with issues and cannot keep up," he said.

The homeowner and his neighbours are considering collecting the boulders together and dumping them outside the sales office in protest.

Redrow Homes South Midlands managing director John Mann said: “Some boulders have been installed to protect the grass verge, which has been damaged by vehicles deviating from the road.

"We understand residents’ concerns over the appearance of this part of our Burcote Park development and are working to protect any remaining verges.”