RESIDENTS of Malvern’s major new development are up in arms over the state of its roads.

They say roads at Malvern Vale have been left without a proper surface, pavements are unfinished and uneven, and street lights faulty. All pose dangers to drivers and pedestrian, they warn.

The lack of a proper road surface means drain covers and speed humps are not flush, risking damage to vehicles.

In November, developer Persimmon Homes told MP Harriett Baldwin, who had been approached by residents, that the work on the 550-home estate would be completed by Christmas. But this week residents confirmed that the roads

have remained unfinished.

Stephanie Walton, aged 45, of Broad Down Close, said: “My car got a slow puncture, and when I took it to be repaired

the man said that it was down to dodgy road surfaces. My partner’s car had to have its tracking fixed.

“And because the roads are not adopted, no one is maintaining the street lights. They stop working and leave

pools of darkness, which isn’t great at this time of year.”

David Macleod, 69, of Pinnacle Way, said: “Because there’s no top dressing on the road, it’s a long step down from the kerb for pedestrians. It’s also a problem when you drive off your driveway into the road; you almost bottom your car.

“There’s no doubt that feelings are running high on the estate. We feel we’ve been left in the lurch by Persimmon and the council.”

County councillor John Raine said: “I saw the report that the work would be completed by Christmas, and I can’t say I’m surprised to find out that it hasn’t been.

“I understand that Worcestershire County Council won’t adopt the highway because they say it hasn’t met their specifications for the drainage of surface water.”

Mrs Baldwin said: “It is clearly disappointing that the roads in Malvern Vale have not been completed and Persimmon Homes have not been able to keep their promise.

“I have been briefed by the county council that there is a problem formally getting the roads adopted and handed over and I hope this issue will be resolved as quickly as possible.

“I will be writing to the company again to find out what has caused this delay and I hope that residents will have an update soon.”

Cllr John Smith, the county council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “We are aware of this matter, however the county council is currently unable to adopt the roads in question until Severn Trent Water has adopted the drainage system. We are working with Severn Trent and Persimmon to resolve this matter.”

A Severn Trent spokesman said: “Our work to connect the new housing development up to our sewer network is ongoing, and we’re continuing to work with Permission Homes to complete inspections and the legal requirements

needed.”

In a separate issue, work to improve the junction of Leigh Sinton Road and Sayers Avenue, one of the main routes to Malvern Vale, has ground to a halt because of uncertainty over ownership.

The county council was due to meet the developer yesterday and then consult residents to find a way forward.

Andy Peters, managing director at Persimmon Homes South Midlands, said: “The layout of our Malvern Vale site meant that work on the internal roads and pavements couldn’t start until all site traffic activity had ceased. Work is well underway and we are endeavouring to maintain the environment for existing residents while balancing the progression of the work with weather conditions.

“We are working closely with Worcestershire County Council to find a swift resolution to the uncertainty of land ownership with regards to the highway boundary. Once this has been resolved the works can be completed.”