DISTRAUGHT residents say their lives are being made a misery by work on a new housing development.

Householders living close to the site say water is running into their properties and gardens.

Urban Developments (York) Ltd – part of the Urban Group – is building 41 homes on the land off Redwood Close, Long Lee.

Joiner Keith Potts says a torrent regularly streams into the back garden of the semi-detached house he shares with wife Diane.

The property, in Long Lee Lane, backs onto the site.

"We've been here since 1985 and never had any problems before this work began last year," said Mr Potts, 65.

"When they excavated the land they took out the culverts, and they built up the level of the site so it's higher than it used to be.

"Now water pours straight down the hill and into the garden, leaving a mess of silt and slurry. It's disgusting.

"Whenever we contact the company it says it'll sort it, but nothing ever happens."

Urban Group – which is working on the scheme in partnership with Bradford-based social housing provider, Accent – says it is examining ways of addressing the issue.

A spokesperson says: "We are trying to minimise the amount of flow from the site and looking at various measures.

"The site is on a steep hill and with the excessive rainfall we've had recently it is difficult to totally stop run off.

"We are in regular dialogue with Mr Potts and are happy to have contact with any neighbours who may have concerns."

The development, which will be a mix of affordable homes and properties for rent, is due for completion by the end of next year.