RESIDENTS in a village are being “robbed of their dignity” by an ever-changing cycle of problems as work on a controversial housing development rumbles on.

Those living on Gresford Road, Llay, say they have experienced dust clouds, trucks and heavy machinery causing their homes to vibrate, and mud covered roads.

During this time, since April last year, part of the road has been closed - initially for 16 weeks but now it could remain shut into March while work to install drains is completed. This has extended the school run and shopping trips for locals from one mile to four.

Cllr Rob Walsh said that residents had long-accepted the development of 362 homes was going ahead - but asked that they be shown consideration and feel Wrexham Council’s officers should investigate complaints.

Cllr Walsh said: “This is not sour grapes, residents accept that this development is going to happen. But look at the state of the road which has just been cleaned. This is the gateway into Llay and there is mud all over the road. It is not good enough.

The Leader:

Cllr Rob Walsh and Cllr Dennis Owen in Gresford Road, Llay

“It is taking away the dignity of the people that live here. They are sick and tired.”

A road sweeper lorry does regularly clean the road surface, it was in operation when the Leader met with residents, but Cllr Walsh said the mud is only being spread around. He believes improved wheel washing facilities would help.

Residents who met the Leader said they felt like they were “living in a pigsty”.

Resident Ceri Williams said it was the uncertainty and lack of communication from the council that was causing frustration.

She said: “The worry is what else is going to go wrong next. There has been dust on our cars, the mud on the road, and I have felt my house vibrating which is quite concerning.

“We have tried complaining to the council but we get no response.

“We are sitting in limbo.”

Wrexham Council says they are monitoring the development and are aware of concerns, with a spokesman adding: “We are aware of the concerns raised by residents affected by this development and officers have been working to ensure that all planning conditions are complied with as the development progresses.”

Proposals to build the homes were approved on appeal in 2017 despite local opposition.

Anwyl and Bellway Homes began work on the Home Farm site off Gresford Road in Llay last year and some of the new properties are now close to completion.

Permission for 60 of the houses to be occupied as been sought before the traffic scheme to serve it is delivered.