Whiteley Meadows: Residents complain over dumped barbed wire and waste

The estate at Whiteley Meadows is currently under construction by developer Vistry.

The development will have 3,500 homes when complete. However, one resident has described the 'significant risk' caused by waste left behind.

Rich Chowns, who moved into a new house in Monks Brook Road in October, said: “Residents have been clearly some of the rubbish. Some kids have made a den using the dumped plastic sheeting. 

“There's rolled back barbed wire fencing. The builders seem to be leaving rubbish behind whenever they finish a section. They just move on to the next bit.”

READ MORE: New Hendog spotted outside Cabinet Rooms in Winchester

The 44-year-old added: “When we're out walking, it's so easy to trip on the barbed wire. It's a significant risk, especially to kids who play in the woods. Some of the waste is near a play park.”

Kate Needham, who is a Green Party candidate for the upcoming Winchester City Council elections, highlighted the problem. 

She said: “There’s lots more barbed wire in amongst the bushes and on the surrounding land. It’s really bad news for the local residents. It looks like an accident waiting to happen and the residents deserve better. I worry about kids and the barbed wire especially as we are coming into summer.

“Residents have been trying to get someone to clear it away for some time.”

Since the complaints were made, the developer has said the waste has been cleared and apologised to residents. 

A spokesperson for Vistry Southern said: “As soon as we were made aware of the waste which had been left close to the Whiteley Meadows location, we ensured it was cleared up as soon as possible. 

“We are currently investigating to establish how the waste ended up there. We would like to apologise to residents for this situation and would always encourage them to report any issues or concerns to us directly.”