A ROW over a controversial housing project — labelled an “absolute shambles” — continues to rumble on.

There are now claims that builders have left the site in Park Road, Little Lever, in a dangerous state, after they were forced to stop work due to anti-social behaviour.

However the Great Places Housing Group, which is building 25 homes in the area, says that its contractors made the site as safe as they could while being subjected to “violent and threatening behaviour” and that there has since been further vandalism.

Cllr Sean Hornby says the development has been a “complete cock-up” and has reported the issue to the Health and Safety Executive.

He said: “The developer has clearly not cleared the site like they should have done.

“It has been a mess from start to finish. There has been no regard shown whatsoever for the people who will be most affected by this development.

“Last week there was a drum of diesel left on the site and some of the concrete tubes have rolled down towards the stream.

“It’s dangerous and it’s not acceptable. I demand a meeting between residents, the police, councillors, council officers, and Great Places as soon as possible so that they can apologise for this absolute shambles.”

Peter Bojar, executive director for growth and assets at Great Places, said: “Our contractor Galliford Try Partnerships was forced to leave the site because their staff and subcontractors were subject to violent and threatening behaviour.

“Despite this, our contractor made sure the site was secure and as safe as they could at the time when they were forced to leave because of the violence.

“Further damage has been caused by vandalism since we left. We have been back to remove materials and will revisit the site again to clear further building materials.

“We have had no direct contact from local councillors but are more than happy to meet them to help resolve the situation.

“We have broken no laws and have planning permission to build these much needed family homes. We want to be back on site as soon as possible but only when it is judged safe to do so.”

When contractors began setting up a site compound in Park Road last month, residents complained of their cars being blocked and loud noise from a generator through the night after 24-hour security was set up.