RESIDENTS have expressed their dismay over the state of overgrown land surrounding a Darlington housing estate.

The grassed areas surrounding the homes in Witton Crescent have not been cut for several months, with one resident claiming the land has not been maintained at all since last year.

Alison Porter said: “If anyone was to visit the area they would see landscaping is very poor and wild flower sowing minimal, with some areas having no soil whatsoever.

“With the school holidays starting, it is a real concern for the children who will want to play out over the summer.”

She claims the issue arose from a dispute between the council and housingdevelopers Esh that has resulted in grass growing to almost a metre tall.

A spokesperson for Esh developers denied a dispute but said the overgrown grass would not be dealt with until after the summer holidays: “It is not our land, however we have the maintenance on it for a 12 month period and this is due to expire this autumn.

“The maintenance consists of sparse areas having wild seeded grass meadow, which is due to be reseeded in September and cut in October, when this will be the end of the maintenance period.

“We have sent somebody out to look at the issue and carry out required maintenance, although this is not planned until September.”

A spokesperson for Darlington Borough Council said: “The council is due to take over maintenance of the area in the autumn. In the meantime, Esh is looking after it.”

Esh developers offered to meet with concerned residents to discuss the matter further.