THERE was dismay among the residents of Smallbrook Gardens last week when contractors started felling trees on a brown field site opposite their homes. Some residents, but not all, had received notice from West Mercia Housing explaining that: 'they had submitted plans for 18 residential units.' WMH workers preparing the site, was, therefore something of a surprise.

Adding to their woes, the tree felling led to dozens of rats running across their properties. One couple found rat droppings under the bonnet of their car after it refused to start and discovered chewed wires. Cllr Atkinson said that he saw 'loads of rats' when he came to visit the residents. "WMC have not consulted residents," he said.

At a heated meeting on Tuesday morning, concerned residents met with WMH representative Kat La Tzar. She explained: "Any development is a balancing act."

She apologised about not notifying the residents about the trees and would revisit the planned access to the site. This currently shares the narrow entrance at Smallbrook Gardens. She said another meeting to look at the design of the planning application would be good. The application (130540/F) is open to comments until April 25th.