Cleobury Mortimer action group set up over demolition dust

Angry residents in Cleobury Mortimer are setting up an action group amid claims developers doing demolition work on a site are coating homes, cars and gardens in dust.

Bovis Homes has been granted planning permission to build 92 homes on the site and Marches Housing Association has had permission for 16 affordable homes on an adjacent site off Vaughan's Road in Cleobury Mortimer.

But residents have gathered 256 signatures on a petition against the proposals in just three days and have pledged to fight to ensure the development benefits the community.

Parish council members supported the group at a meeting last night and residents are formally creating a residents' association.

Kevin Mayall, a postman from Hartmann Close, said his car and garden had been covered in dust from demolition work.

He said: "We are getting dust and noise until late at night. Our garden furniture is filthy, so are the kids' toys, house and car - and the actual building work hasn't started yet."

Rachel Neaves, of Lower Street, said: "We are not against developments in Cleobury Mortimer but we want to make sure any houses which are built are in keeping with the area."

Scott Curtis, a Bovis Homes spokesman, said: "Demolition work has been taking place at the site in preparation for construction works and we have taken measures to mitigate against dust issues during dry spells, ensuring contractors use water bowsers to dampen the ground."