A RESIDENT has raised concerns over mud and rubble spilling out from a nearby construction site, claiming it is only a matter of time before an accident occurs.

Trevor Pringle says the mess left by vehicles exiting The Woodlands, a 175-home development in Newton Aycliffe, is unacceptable and is demanding the homebuilder, Keepmoat, “cleans up its act.”

The 68-year-old regularly drives past the site when travelling along Cobbler’s Hall Road and Burnhill Way on his way to work.

He said: “Stones and mud are getting stuck on the truck tyres and are then dragged on to the road.

“We are talking about sizable stones that could cause a lot of damage if were flicked up by a tyre and into the windscreen of a passing car.

“It could even lead to someone getting hurt. A lot of people walk their dogs around there.”

Mr Pringle contacted Durham County Council’s highways team, which sent out a road sweeper, but he said it was not long before the problem resurfaced.

“The council should not have to do this,” he said. “Why should taxpayers foot the bill? I believe the house building company has a duty of care to stop this happening. It needs to clean up its act.”

Durham County Council’s planning committee approved plans for 175 new homes on the site last September.

The land, to the east of The Moor Nature reserve, has been earmarked for development since 1967 and was one of two remaining plots at Cobblers Hall.

Keepmoat plans to build a combination of two, three and four bedroom properties over the next five years.

The first wave of properties is expected to be completed later this year.

Richard Bass, new build managing director at Keepmoat, said: “As a considerate constructor, our aim is to reduce any disturbance that can sometimes be caused by construction in and around the local area.

“It is inevitable that with the number of deliveries to and from the site, this can cause issues for local residents and we apologise for any inconvenience.

“We will closely monitor this in future and take action wherever appropriate to ensure that access roads to the site are kept clean and in good condition.”