Council rapped for slow response
A local government watchdog has criticised Swindon Borough Council over its handling of residents' complaints about a builder's yard.
The ombudsman said there had been "maladministration causing injustice" to residents, for taking too long to respond to reports of disturbances.
They also said residents of Wood Lane should be compensated a total of £700.
The council said it accepted the judgement and would consider compensating the neighbours.
The ombudsman also recommended the council carry out a valuation of homes of four residents, with and without the builder's yard next door.
The residents, who have lived at their properties for more than 30 years, complained of drainage problems, fumes and noise, and said their homes had been devalued as a result.
"Once the council took action it was too late as the business had been established for 10 years and was therefore exempt from enforcement action," the report by the Local Government Ombudsman found.
The ombudsman said there had been "maladministration by the council causing injustice to the complainants".
"They must now accept that there is an established use of the premises behind their homes as a builder's yard, despite the council's clear intention from 2000 to cease or restrict the use," the report stated.
Source: The BBC (01/11/2005)
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