A RESIDENT of a new housing estate feels they have been ‘abandoned’ by the developers.

One year has passed since Craig Dentith came to the Chester Standard's sister title the Northwich & Winsford Guardian to raise concerns about the Wharton Green development in Winsford.

A lack of street lighting, an out-of-bounds playground, unfinished roads and an abundance of weeds are just some of the issues residents have been faced with.

Craig said: “The progress in the last 12 months, or should I say non-progress, has been nothing short of embarrassing. It is an absolute disgrace.

“For an estate that is less than three years old it’s looking tired.

“The estate has the feel of something that’s been abandoned and has not been maintained in any way, shape or form.”

The roads at Wharton GreenThe roads at Wharton Green (Image: Supplied)

Craig, 28, moved to the Wharton Green in Winsford in December 2022 with his partner Sarah and their daughter Emelia.

He first reported the issues to the developer, Equans, in August 2023.

Craig says the only change since then is that a large ditch in the middle of the estate which had filled with water has now been drained and become overgrown.

Meanwhile, the playground remains fenced off and weeds have started taking over the roads and footpaths.

Craig adds that the majority of streetlighting doesn’t work, which he says is ‘extremely dangerous’ with some areas of the estate left in total darkness.

He has tried to get an update from Equans, to no avail.

“I’m so frustrated and upset about this situation, it’s a complete disregard to the residents of the estate that have invested large sums of money in purchasing their homes and been totally let down by false promises,” Craig said.

“It’s an absolute shambles!”

The playground remains out-of-boundsThe playground remains out-of-bounds (Image: Supplied)

When Craig reached out to the Northwich and Winsford Guardian last November, Equans responded to say that they were committed to completing the development ‘as soon as possible’.

They added that while it was 'legally complete' in September 2023, 'unforeseen delays' had pushed back the full completion of the estate.

Now, the company say that the site will soon be handed over to a management company who will be responsible for resolving the aforementioned issues.

A spokesperson said: “We will imminently be handing over the estate to the appointed management company and at this time, we will be in a position to open the play area.  We appreciate residents will be keen to use the facilities and we can confirm the park is 95 per cent complete and ready to open.  However, without a management company being in contract to oversee the area, we are reluctant to do so for the wellbeing of residents. 

“The SuDS (sustainable drainage system) pond is designed to be dry and only meant to collect water in the event of the surface water system overflowing. The overgrowth is not only natural, it’s designed this way.

“When the management company is in place, they will be responsible for general maintenance of the estate and will be able to pick up on any issues or concerns relating to roads/footpaths.  There has been a number of delays that were beyond the scope of our control and we’d like to thank residents for their patience during this time.  We are continuing to work closely with the council to rectify any issues in a timely and safe manner, ready for a full handover to the management company.”

Weeds have started taking overWeeds have started taking over (Image: Supplied)