Residents 'consistently let down' as Vulcan Works left 'incomplete'

Back in 2003, an outline planning application for a huge 630-home project at Vulcan Works was submitted and this was approved by the Secretary of State on appeal in 2007. 

Operated by St Modwen, Persimmon, and Jones, the 'Tayleur Leas' development is now in its final stage at the former locomotive manufacturing site in Newton-le-Willows, but a stream of ongoing issues has resulted in growing frustration for those living on the estate.

Despite the modern housebuilding and regeneration of brownfield land, some have become disillusioned with the project that was sold to them.

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Residents have grown frustrated about the state of the estate's roads (Image: Contributed)
With four phases of development at the Vulcan Works site, some residents, who have been living on the estate for several years, have complained about the state of the roads which they say have been left "incomplete and unresolved".

Several dates are said to have been suggested for the resurfacing of the roads, while concerns have also been raised about the basic services of the estate, such as the schedule of bins being emptied and grass being cut.

Some have also complained about the safety of the children's play area, and a reported lack of action and communication from St Modwen.

Some residents have taken the grass cutting into their own hands (Image: Contributed)
One of the disgruntled residents, Kimberley Wheeler, said: "We are consistently let down by St Modwen at every turn.

"From the multiple issues we have had in the house itself to the unfinished roads, overflowing dog poo bins, and unmaintained grass, meaning residents have took matters into their own hands.

"We did not buy our houses to have the roads stay like this indefinitely [...] it's insulting."

Estate bins are frequently overflowing (Image: Contributed)
Another resident, Julie Hartley, said that people are being forced to navigate and put up with "substandard roads" on the estate, adding that "it's hard to believe that after years of complaints, this issue remains unresolved".

Similarly, Margaret Dando said that St Modwen's "appalling lack of interest in finishing the whole estate is unbelievable".

"We have been told over and over again that [the roads are] going to be done, but unfortunately St Modwen don't know the difference between fact and fiction, which is a great shame as this could be a really good place to live and be proud of", Margaret added.

Residents are also concerned about a reported lack of communication from the developers (Image: Contributed)
In response, St Modwen said that "delivering homes to a high standard" is a priority for the company, and clarified that a timeline of works is scheduled for the Vulcan Works estate.

Following a scheduled review with St Helens Council, St Modwen said it aims to complete the resurfacing of roads on phase three of the development by the end of September, to be followed by phase four.

The developer said that resurfacing of the wider estate roads are due to begin in October, with an expected completion date towards the end of next year.

St Modwen further stated that bin collection and grass-cutting services remain on a fortnightly basis, while the play area is also said to be "open and safe to use".

Examples of the new homes on the Vulcan Works estate (Image: St Modwen)
A spokesperson for St. Modwen Homes said: “We are aware of concerns raised by some residents of the Tayleur Leas development.

"Delivering homes to a high standard and building communities is our priority and we are continuing to work closely with the local authorities and the other housebuilders on the site to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.”