THE managing director designate of Persimmon Homes has given Trowbridge residents a positive response to their complaints.

Julian Roper has intervened in a dispute between homeowners in Castle Mead and Chippenham housing group GreenSquare over their estate management of public open spaces.

The residents have made numerous complaints to GreenSquare, local MP Dr Andrew Murrison and ward councillors about the company's management of littering, tree planting and repairs to play area equipment.

Mr Roper said: "Greensquare have listened to the requests for resident engagement and are in the process of sending out a questionnaire to all residents to gauge opinion and obtain feedback regarding the Castle Mead Scheme.

"This will also request proposals/volunteers for residents representatives, which I feel is a positive move, and will commence a stakeholder relationship and vehicle for better communication and feedback."

Stewart Benford, of Castle Mead Residents Group, welcomed Mr Roper's comments, saying: "All we have wanted is fairness from GreenSquare and for them to actively engage with residents."

"As you are aware, there is no working complaints system for Castle Mead residents to use so we look forward to the resident engagement, to mange our expectations around this. Is there a time frame to do this?"

The move follows a recent unannounced visit by Mr Roper ahead of an inspection by the company's estates manager Chris Smythe and James Shackell of Greensquare, who is directly responsible for the management of the open space areas.

Mr Roper said: "Our inspection findings in our opinion showed that the open spaces, equipment and associated areas were in a generally acceptable condition."

"There was no litter or debris evident and the general feel was positive for all areas that I viewed.

"Within our estates managers report we have identified items and issues that need attention such as some vandalised fencing and broken tress which I consider are reactive maintenance and unfortunately this type of poor treatment by a minority who do not respect these areas will occur.

"There are some areas of general maintenance to paths that were identified and GreenSquare have assured us that all of these matters will be dealt with proactively."