COUNCILLORS have expressed outrage after the redevelopment of two areas in Calne has been postponed.

A number of houses in Woodroffe Square and Colemans Farm suffer from condensation and damp, and residents were led to believe they would be rehoused while GreenSquare housing association carried out essential work.

But the company has since retracted its plans and said it could be years before work begins, prompting councillors to take action.

Coun Mercy Baggs said: “The conditions in some houses in Woodroffe Square are comparable to those in Third World countries.

“The window frames are rotting away, mould is growing on the walls and a lot of them are damp.

“Some residents were told to open their windows to alleviate the problem – in the middle of winter. I hardly think that was a good solution in the harsh conditions.”

GreenSquare had submitted plans to build houses adjoining Porte Marsh industrial estate, claiming that the site would provide alternative accommodation while the much-needed regeneration work was carried out.

But a letter was recently handed to councillors at a meeting in which GreenSquare advised them that it is “having to delay its plans”.

Coun Glenis Ansell said: “It has been absolutely awful for everyone living there. They have been promised plans for new housing for a number of years with no action.

“After yet another postponement, I’m beginning to wonder if GreenSquare have it within their plans to regenerate the areas at all.”

It is believed walls in the affected properties were built without a membrane, which has caused problems.

Phil Bowley, of GreenSquare, said: “We understand how important Colemans Farm and Woodroffe Square are to local people.

“GreenSquare is committed to improving these areas and we would like to confirm that our plans for this part of the project remain in place.

“Our focus is currently on the Abberd Way garage site in Calne, where we will start later in the year to build 12 new high-quality affordable homes.

"However, we will pick up the plans for Colemans Farm and Woodroffe Square once the Abberd Way development is underway, with a view to increasing the number of new affordable homes.

“We will continue to work closely with residents on the plans and will keep everyone up to date on any progress, including proposed timescales.”