Kirkby Times recently reported on the death of Harold Moran, a building worker killed on the George Wimpey building project 'Ashton Downs' off Bewley Drive in Southdene. We can now exclusively report that residents on the new housing estate are up in arms over the conditions they have had to endure living near the second phase of this building project. Whilst taking photos of the conditions, this author was approached by a local resident hoping I was an Echo reporter. Not quite! - But the story will at least be put in the public arena.

Residents living in unbearable conditions

George Wimpey and their sub contractors have supposedly made a 'contract' with residents - basically it means George Wimpey has to ensure a number of conditions are abided to, speed restrictions and restriction on times site traffic can be active. Basically the new housing estate which consists so far of around 4 roads, and is used as a building site entrance. All site traffic HAS to pass through a residential area which seems to house a lot of young families with children. Given the fact we've already seen a man killed on the previous building project by a contractors vehicle, it seems unbelievable that Knowsley Council can simply allow a contractor to use residential roads for access to building projects. The Estate could have been built in its entirety THEN sold off. People would wait - but it would cost millions! - And George Wimpey likes to count the pennies, never mind the pounds! The wisdom of selling homes whilst the next street is being built is one that should be questioned. It's down to money even if Wimpey want to try and claim otherwise.

Dangers for Children

A resident told us that there had been a number of scares as small children playing near the volume of traffic represent a clear danger. No matter how alert parents are - it only takes one split second for a child to run in the path of a lorry or car. One question to ask is this ….. Could an alternative temporary access road have been set up away from the residential estate? It may be physically impossible for George Wimpey to do this - but if it is possible then George Wimpey would have based the decision to use a residential estate as an access area on a financial basis. The 10 MPH speed limit is not being adhered to according to residents. They should know. Fathers and mothers are living in genuine fear and reported that there have been some dangerous incidents which involved site traffic. It is in the resident's interests to video what they are seeing. Were this website to repeat the allegations (which I believe 100%) the website would likely be sued by Wimpey. This website WILL publish written accounts by residents - plus photo and video.

Below are the safety conditions for workers spelled out on a big sign post at the entrance to the building site.


No access for unauthorised persons

All delivery drivers and visitors must report to the site manager. Do not enter this site unless you are authorised.

Safety helmets, Protective Footgear and high visibility jackets must be worn by all personal on this site.

Personal protective equipment must be worn in all high risk areas.

You must have undertaken training in health and safety before starting work. Contact site manager for details.

Remember -No Safety helmet, No safety boots, No high visibility jacket, No safety training = No Job.

Building sites can be dangerous. Parents, please keep your children out and safe from harm.

Structural damage

Some residents believe that the volume of traffic passing only feet away from their houses may be causing structural damage. Have Knowsley Council looked into this? Although the houses are private, the residents are paying Council tax for services off Knowsley Council. Moving into a new home is stressful enough, but when you have the further worry of possible damage to that home, it's not too much to ask that Knowsley Council take a good look to determine if this is indeed structural damage.

Residents fight for safety improvements

Residents have been in their new homes for a number of months, and it was only through residents organising themselves that they bought in safety improvements such as a small office at the entrance to the housing estate which all site traffic has to report to. Residents have fought for signs to be placed which clearly state that a 10MPH speed limit is in place. A number of representative of Knowsley Council Environmental team are involved - let's hope they actually do something - but they have their work well and truly cut out with residents all over Kirkby presenting a mounting number of complaints regarding the environment here.

More dust problems

Cars were covered in the usual dust - and this dust will no doubt be covering the houses nearest to the building site itself. If it covers the houses then it obviously gets inside the lungs of people. Kirkby Times reported on similar conditions endured by tenants near St Kevin's.

We hope the residents on Ashton Downs will add there account to this website. Kirkby Times is YOUR local website - and unlike the local papers can offer a platform for anyone to have there say. Remember - if you don't speak out then nothing ever changes.