Rusthall residents left fuming at their 'idyllic' room with a view

WHEN residents in a sought-after Rusthall development moved into their dream homes they were promised they would look out onto an "idyllic" green.

But more than a year later all they see when they draw back their curtains is a mass of weeds.

Redland Avenue homeowners pay an annual £107 fee to a company to maintain the grounds surrounding their houses, which fetch up to £290,000.

But they are yet to see a return from their investment.

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Retired teacher Maggie Fraser, 72, who moved into her townhouse in October, said: "We're all fed up – we were told first of all it would be finished by Christmas, then March. It's dragged on and on.

"Most of us to chose to move in because of the 'idyllic green' we were promised."

Mrs Fraser, who has set up a residents' association, said housing developer Taylor Wimpey was "great to start off with" but that residents began to feel they were being ignored.

Mrs Fraser's frustration reached boiling point when she received a letter from the managing director of Taylor Wimpey.

"It was really bland with no dates of when work will start, and no apology," she said.

Neighbour Carolyne King was also attracted by the surroundings in the brochure.

He said: "I wouldn't mind if they apologised for the delay, but it seems they don't care."

When the 39-year-old, who moved in last March, contacted Taylor Wimpey, its response was that it was too wet to plough the land.

"Somebody had a look a few months ago, and then seemed to give up," she added.

Paul De Villiers moved into his home with wife Isobel and daughter Samantha during the same month, and echoed his neighbours' criticisms.

He said: "I don't think it's a valid reason to blame the weather. They can't keep leaving it like this."

Taylor Wimpey spokesman Chris Fidler said the area was rotavated for seeding earlier this year, but the adverse weather meant planting has had to be put on hold until the autumn.

Mr Fidler said: "Residents who are paying a fee for the landscaping will only pay for services actually carried out.

"Any fees paid will be accrued for future use. Residents should contact their managing agent directly."