CONFUSION still surrounds the correct address of a Westbury housing development four years after the first residents moved in.

The 1,000-home Leigh Park estate on the edge of the town is hard to miss, but many still refer to the area as Westbury Leigh.

With wrongly addressed letters still being delivered to this different, but nearby neighbourhood, the matter has been deemed serious enough for district council leader Tony Phillips to intervene.

This week Cllr Phillips issued a plea to end the confusion once and for all.

He said: "Leigh Park is a rapidly expanding new community, which is developing a character and dynamism all of its own. I am sure this will be accelerated by the new shops currently under construction, which will provide a visible heart to the Leigh Park community.

"However, the proximity of Leigh Park to Westbury Leigh, a much older neighbourhood, does seem to cause some problems and I know residents of both areas have expressed their frustration at post going to the wrong addresses.

"It may seem petty to worry about the names of these areas but this type of confusion can lead to real problems with such things as planning applications and grants to local organisations."

The postal chaos has proved a constant thorn in the side for the Leigh Park Community Association (LPCA) as it seeks to create a sense of community on the estate. LPCA chairman Russell Hawker said this has proved a particular problem for residents in Timor Road.

In a letter to householders he said: "When Wimpey was selling the new homes in Timor Road, they incorrectly called this area Westbury Leigh. Not only that, but they informed all the utility suppliers to homes that this area is in Westbury Leigh.

"It is not surprising some of you believe you live in Westbury Leigh and describe your address to others as such. I realise this may cause some surprise and irritation for some of you, but you should know the truth. You do not live in Westbury Leigh at all."

Westbury Leigh Primary School moved to the new estate in January causing further confusion.

The latest LPCA newsletter says: "Unfortunately the relevant administrators at the school are having a hard time getting used to this new location, so they avoid mentioning Leigh Park.

"Fortunately, all the children seem to know exactly where Westbury Leigh is and where Leigh Park is. There is hope."

A spokesman for Royal Mail said: "We are aware there's a problem, but what we can do about it is very limited. We always try to take a common sense approach when making our deliveries, but unfortunately we are obliged to deliver items as they are addressed."