A ROW has erupted after work started on the controversial Horwich Loco Works redevelopment before a community liaison group was set up.

MP Chris Green has criticised Bolton Council and the developers of the 1700-house Rivington Chase project for “undermining the trust of local people”.

Mr Green, who represents Bolton West, said he is disappointed the proposed liaison group, intended to involve local community members in the progress of the building project, has not yet been fully organised.

Local residents are angry as they say they have witnessed work taking place on the site already.

Developers Horwich Vision said the group is being put together and insisted that the only work taking place is to ensure that a damaged building does not collapse.

Permission was granted on the major scheme in September after negotiations over the amount of community contributions the developers should make were finally agreed.

Campaigners have long-held concerns about the project and asked for the liaison group to be set up some time ago.

Mr Green joined members of the Horwich First community group on a recent visit to the site.

He said: “On site I saw a cherry picker and a forklift truck and people working on the erecting shed.

“This liaison group needs to be set up as soon as possible and I am disappointed it hasn’t already happened.

“Working with a community liaison group should be seen as an opportunity to build up trust with local people but it seems that both the council and the developers are doing everything they can to undermine any trust with the local people — they have to change this.”

Mark Caldwell, chief executive of Bluemantle, part of the Horwich Vision group, said: “In terms of the liaison group we have started the ball rolling and we are waiting to hear back in terms of people that should attend the group.

“The work I believe is being referred to is the roof coming off — the building in question has been in very poor repair therefore the removal of the roof is a health and safety procedure to make sure the building doesn’t collapse.”

A spokesman for the Horwich First community group said: “The only concession that the community of Horwich received was the promise of a liaison group before any demolition or clearance commence on the site.

“It is quite clear that demolition has started and our concerns over an independent asbestos survey have been ignored."

Council leader Cliff Morris said the liaison group was the responsibility of the developer but insisted it has now been put in place.

He said: “The liaison committee is not our responsibility, it is the developer’s, but to be fair to Horwich Vision, they have only just got the full planning permission, with the section 106 money now agreed and it has now been set up.

“If Mr Green had taken the time to come and speak to us then we could have gone through everything with him.”