RESIDENTS living near a 32-acre building site in West Drayton say they are still being plagued by dust from demolition work but developers argue the award winning site is running smoothly.
Drayton Garden Village, being built on the former National Air Traffic Service (NATS) site in Porters Way, is a seven year 775-home project being carried out by Inland Homes.
In December, neighbours said that dust caused by the demolition of the NATS building was making their lives a misery.
They complained of white powder showering their gardens and stinging eyes when they walked outside. At the time Inland Homes said the demolition was a tremendous task, due to the reinforced metal and concrete building that they were knocking down. They apologised for any problems and promised to rectify the situation. Three months on and even though demolition is nearing an end, some residents say the problem is still ongoing.
Michelle Freeman, of nearby Rutters Close, which overlooks the site, said a mountain of rubble still kicked up dust in the wind.
She said: "When we had those really windy days earlier this year there was a fog coming down the road. People are washing their cars two or three times a week. I'm an asthmatic myself and I know a couple of others who are worried."
When finished, Drayton Garden Village will include a health centre and 80-bedroom care home, as well as parking spaces and gardens.
Senior land buyer Pedro Longras said the project was on schedule and the company was doing all it could to lessen concerns of residents, including working with the council's environmental health department to ensure safety of people in the area.
The development recently won the land award – given out to projects which make the best community use out of empty land – at the Sustain Magazine annual awards dinner.
A blunder by printers meant that 6,000 consultation leaflets were not delivered in the area before work began but Mr Longras said residents are now regularly kept informed.
What do you think of the development? Email jennycoombes@trinitysouth.co.uk or call 07795800063.
