Our summer is wrecked

Householders in Tithe Barn Crescent want to know why hoard-ings were not put up to protect their homes from the noise and dust.

The worst affected properties are two blocks of flats Kennet House and Avon House situated at the end of the road next to the site.

Former Commando Pat Bristow, 72, who lives in Kennet House and also acts as site groundsman, is furious with developer Bloor Homes.

Mr Bristow maintains a communal garden at the rear of the flats, but says billowing dust clouds mean residents have to stay indoors even on the hottest days.

He says the problem is caused because rubble is being ground up just yards from the flats.

"I don't understand why they have chosen to carry out the grinding operation near our homes when they have a 24-acre site," said Mr Bristow.

"It is ground to dust and left in a giant pile. For two days when it was hot and windy recently you couldn't see more than 50 yards there was so much dust.

"The grass was white and we were breathing it in. I don't know why they don't spray water on it, that would stop it blowing around.

"We have really missed out this summer. We haven't even been able to open our windows."

One resident who couldn't take it any longer has gone to stay with family in Scotland.

Another Kennet House resident, retired warehouse manager Clive Daniel, 60, said: "They start at 7.30am and work six days a week.

"The developers should be more considerate."

Retired engineer Brian Jones, 75, another nearby resident, said: "We have had to keep all the windows and doors closed, and the dust has killed off some of our plants."

In June, the Evening Advertiser reported dust was coating cars at Swindon Black Cabs on Okus Trading Estate.

John Lusty, of Bloor Homes in Swindon, said the site was being sprayed with water to minimise problems. But he wasn't available to comment on the latest concerns.

However, the firm said it was aware of the problems, which are being addressed.

tamash Lal