A TOWN council left to deal with the fallout over a controversial development were quizzed by residents at an annual town meeting.

The four town houses, which were built on the site of the former gasworks in Frome Road, have attracted widespread criticism for their modern architecture and bright colour, with one resident branding them "a monstrosity".

Members of Bradford on Avon Town Council fielded questions from the public about the houses, at a meeting held in St Margaret's Hall last Tuesday.

Barbara Humble, of the Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust, said she attended the meeting to question councillors over the building.

She said: "The people in Bradford have commented largely because of what they see and they're not happy.

"Because it's so different a lot of people have made a comment and that's really what happened at the meeting.

"There were rather a lot of unhappy people wondering why the council had not put in adverse comments.

"The trust is of the opinion that it's inappropriate. We are not against modern architecture at all but we do think it's a bit bright."

Cllr Philip Sutton, deputy chairman of the town council's planning committee, said the meeting had been a chance for the public to put their concerns across but said Frome Road was just one of a number of topics discussed.

"There were a lot of other matters raised and in every respect it was a meeting that went well by the standards of wanting the community to have its say," he said.

"It's part of the process calling elected people to account. I think it's important people remain conscious of things happening in their towns, and do things when they can be done."

Mr Sutton said a number of issues arose which the council was already acting on.

He said: "The questions were answered as people were best able to. The town council remains concerned about the colours of this building and is keen that the white zig-zag at the top is made grey and the blue panels on the side are made less conspicuous.

"We understand and are pleased that there is going to be a colour change."