WARMINSTER grandfather David Harse is unhappy that his grandchildren have nowhere to play, after building work began around his home.

The 60-year-old claims Selwood Housing and Wiltshire Council promised to upgrade the recreational ground on Portway Lane before the building of eight homes around Epping Close began.

He said: “My grandchildren used to play in the field behind our house but now they are building there they have nowhere to play.

“I’m unhappy that no upgrades were made to the nearby play area before they started building and I can’t see where the kids are going to play.

“The dogs walk on the Portway recreational site and my grandchildren would have to cross the road where the cars whizz up and down anyway."

Building of two-semi detached houses is taking place at the front of Mr Harse’s home, while three terraced houses and three bungalows are being built in the field behind it.

The latter application was initially rejected by Wiltshire Council but accepted on appeal, with Selwood Housing required to pay £9,740.13 which will be used for a recreational purpose.

Warminster councillor Pip Ridout, who lives on Savernake Close where the development is also taking place and who opposed the plans, said: “All the money given by Selwood Housing will be spent for a recreational purpose in Warminster.

“David now has to go and consult with everyone else on the Close about what they want and when that happens I shall be notified by the town clerk and we’ll get it organised.

“It was never agreed that the park had to be developed before work on the houses began.

“The biggest problem with the development is parking, it’s ludicrous and no one wanted the houses built.”

The building work, which began at the start of the month, is expected to be completed in October.

Paul Walsh, development director for Selwood Housing, said: “Selwood Housing is building eight affordable homes at Epping Close and Savernake Close in Warminster.

“This includes five houses and three bungalows. As part of our agreement to build the Savernake Close development we were required to pay £9,740.13.

“This money will be used by Wiltshire Council to upgrade Portway recreational ground.

“We have fulfilled this requirement and the money has been received by Wiltshire Council.

“We look forward to seeing the new play area and hope that our tenants and the local community will be able to make good use of it.”