AN MP has intervened on behalf of residents who have accused a housing developer of broken promises and failing to play by the rules.

North Durham MP Kevan Jones has written to Durham County Council urging it to ensure Persimmon Homes fulfils its responsibilities at the ongoing development at Roseberry Park, in Newfield, near Chester-le-Street.

Residents on the estate have complained of workers starting too early, litter blowing from building sites, the lack of a children’s park, uneven roads and blocked drains.

Newfield and Pelton Lane Ends Residents association secretary Antony Peanut said: “Planning rules say they not allowed to start work before 8am but they regularly start at 7.30am.

“But when you go out into garden in the morning you hear generator or diggers or banging or cracking.

“And the lorries are always turning up early, thundering through the estate.

“The estate is also covered in litter blown from the building sites, despite us pay a maintenance charge to get it cleared.”

Mr Peanut said a play area promised for children had yet to materialise.

And a Grade II listed farm, which was supposed to be refurbished, had been allowed to go too “wrack and ruin”.

He said: “Persimmon Homes seem to be able to flout the rules whenever they like and with no repercussions.”

Writing to the county council’s chief executive Terry Collins, Mr Jones said: “Residents tell me Persimmon now wish to pull the farm down because of its dilapidated state.

“The point my constituents make to me is that this is because of neglect by the developers.

“Residents who have been to see me have the impression that Persimmon appear to be able to do what they like without any action being taken by Durham County Council.

“I have to say I understand why they have this impression, particularly in view of the litter problem, which I know you are aware of, over which no action was taken by Persimmon.

Ian Thompson, Durham County Council’s corporate director for regeneration and economic development, said: “We are aware of the issues raised by Kevan and are working to ensure Persimmon Homes fulfils its responsibilities.

“We have offered to meet with Kevan to discuss his concerns and how they may be resolved.”

There was no one available at Persimmon Homes for comment.