Anger over mess near new build site near Doe Park Reservoir

Lisa Taylor, who has lived in Denholme for four and a half years, regularly walks her dog near the former Station Sawmill site near Doe Park Reservoir in Denholme.

Plans to build 72 new affordable homes by Together Housing were approved during the pandemic.

Surrounded by nature and popular dog walking routes, the site also covers The Great Northern Railway Trail, a cycle and walking trail which runs along the old rail line.

The site of new affordable homes in Denholme by Together Housing (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

But keen litter picker Lisa has become increasingly frustrated over the sight of mud, leftover building material, and wires protruding from the ground nearby.

Lisa, who has reported her concerns to Together Housing Group and Bradford Council, claims she has not seen workers on the site for six months. 

Together Housing Group insists the homes are still under construction. 

Lisa said: “It looks such a mess and it’s so rude to build housing and leave it unfinished with exposed wires and torrents of water running down the street.

“I haven’t seen any work men, it seems to have finished. 

Lisa has become increasingly frustrated over the sight of mud, leftover building material, and wires protruding from the ground nearby (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

“It just really makes me feel fed up, I’m doing a lot of work in the community, litter picking, there’s only so far I can go.

“It makes you feel like, why can’t anybody deal with it and take ownership? They’re leaving local residents in the lurch to deal with it all.

“I sent an email [to Together Housing Group] because I couldn’t get through on the phone. 

“If they’re responsible people - they own land - liaise with the council and not leave the local area in such a state. Take responsibility. You’re building houses for families to live in.”

Dai Howells, Development Programme Manager for Together Housing Group, said: “We work closely with the contractors on our development sites to ensure the highest standards of health and safety. The site in Denholme is still under construction. To date, we have not received any complaints directly from local residents.

“We are aware of some wires that are not live, located behind a fence at the top of site away from our properties and some pipework left over from the offices that were previously on site. Neither of these pose a danger to anyone, however, the wires will be buried below ground today instead of waiting for the road to be completed as originally planned and the pipework cleared.

“We do not own the public footpath running alongside the site, therefore are not responsible for its maintenance. 

“We are not aware of any drainage issues on the site but if residents do have any concerns they are encouraged to contact us and we will take swift action to resolve any issues on the land that we own.”