ANGRY villagers are planning to complain to the local government ombudsman over Bromsgrove District Council’s handling of an enforcement issue on land in Hunnington.

They have accused the council of repeatedly leaving them “in the dark”, ignoring their views, being slow to act and failing to monitor the land in Bromsgrove Road which has been cleared of trees and a large hole dug for landfill.

Landowner Richard McIntosh withdrew a planning application to build an equestrian centre in the face of strong opposition and the council has now issued an enforcement notice ordering him to refill the hole with material already of the site.

Last week’s reports of disgruntled residents have taken a further turn this week with moves to make formal complaints.

Bromsgrove Road resident Clare Harris said: “It is just not good enough. They have not got back to us with any answers before issuing the enforcement notice”

She said residents had “lost confidence” in the officers dealing with the matter.

Ruth Bamford, head of planning and regeneration for the council, emailed one of the objectors on Monday saying she would respond to questions raised at a public meeting on October 21 to the Hunnington parish council as agreed on the night.

Mrs Harris hit out saying the questions should have been answered by now and the response could have been sent to residents and the parish council.

“They are not managing our expectations,” she said.

Another resident, who does not wish to be named, emailed the council saying: “None of our questions or points answered from the last meeting. Clearly it appears all decisions made no matter what and yet again our voices ignored.”

“So angry, upset, let down and more importantly disgusted at actions yet again of our appointed public government officers – promises not kept and answers not received.

She said concerns about Japanese knotweed growing on the site and lack of monitoring of materials being used to fill the hole had not been addressed Both she and Mrs Harris are now planning to take their concerns up with the ombudsman.

A council spokesman said: “If residents want to take it further then the local ombudsman function is there to enable them to have their concerns examined by an independent body.”