COUNCILLORS have called for answers over concerns about the ongoing housing development at the site of the old Weavers Arms pub in Rockwell Green.

It was well over a year ago when the former pub, along with ten council homes, were demolished to make way for 26 new properties – but so far the properties have yet to be completed.

Cllr Marcus Barr, of Wellington Town Council, has been concerned about the delays over the project and asked town clerk Greg Dyke to make some investigations.

Mr Dyke contacted Taunton Deane Borough Council’s development and regeneration manager to find out the latest news and he was told that the ’new homes are progressing well and they will be moving into a snagging programme of works over the coming weeks’.

Taunton Deane has said it is in contact with the families, who moved out when their homes were demolished, about when they can move into their new properties.

Although Taunton Deane has been unable to give a date when the development will be completed, the authority is hoping the contractors will be handing over the properties for letting by the end of September.

But Cllr Marcus Barr, speaking at Monday’s meeting of Wellington Town Council, said: “I can’t see it being done before Christmas – there’s still so much work to be done there. It’s a huge shame because the families are desperate to get in there.”

Wellington’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Janet Lloyd, added: “It is shocking as this has been going on and on.”

Cllr Andrew Govier said that Taunton Deane’s response to the latest progress being made on the Weavers Arms site was ’very wishy-washy’.

He said they should get in touch with Cllr Terry Beale, Taunton Deane’s executive member for housing, to ask him what is going on.

“We can’t have these homes lying empty or not being finished,” said Cllr Govier. “People have been very patient and I have a good deal of sympathy for those living next door to a building site.”

Cllr Ross Henley added: “It is extremely sensitive and worrying for people. This really does need to be managed better and brought to a satisfactory conclusion.”

Cllr Mark Lithgow said they had a ’responsibility’ to the local people and the development seemed to have been blighted by a catalogue of problems.

“We need Mr Beale here to explain,” he said.

Cllr John Thorne thanked Cllr Barr for raising the concerns about the development and described it as a ’calamitous’ state of affairs.

The Mayor, Cllr Gary James, added: “This project has gone very badly wrong. Mr Beale should be courteous enough to come and see us. This needs to be sorted quickly.”