RESIDENTS living at the Rivers Edge development off Slutchers Lane, Warrington, say they have been left waiting too long for outstanding works to be completed – with a local councillor calling for clear answers and firm deadlines.
Bewsey and Whitecross councillor John Roddy has been pressing for progress following concerns raised by residents about unfinished roads, pathways and other areas of the development.
Cllr Roddy visited Rivers Edge last Saturday after residents contacted him about works which they say have remained incomplete despite previous assurances and anticipated completion dates.
He said he had been shown correspondence between residents, developer Vistry and Torus which, he claimed, demonstrated repeated requests for updates and delays in resolving some of the issues.
“Residents told me very clearly that they feel abandoned,” said Cllr Roddy.
“We all know how frustrating it is to raise a legitimate concern, receive a date by which something is expected to be resolved, and then see that deadline come and go without the work being finished.”
Residents of Half Penny Green and Weston Park Drive also raised concerns about an area of land which Cllr Roddy said had remained unfinished and unkempt for a considerable period.
He said he understood the area had originally been intended to form part of the community open space.
“Whatever its eventual use, residents should not have to continue looking out onto land left in this condition without clear answers about when it will be completed,” he said.
A Spring 2026 update issued by Countryside Homes regarding Rivers Edge stated that further works were progressing across the development, including highway works, public open-space handovers, work associated with the on-site pump station and a new footpath.
Cllr Roddy said one of his particular concerns was the impact of unfinished works on disabled residents and people with mobility difficulties.
“One of the issues that concerned me most was the position of disabled residents and others with mobility difficulties attempting to manoeuvre around pathways where access remains difficult,” he said.
“This is not simply about appearance. There are legitimate questions about accessibility, highway completion, adoption and who is responsible for ensuring the outstanding works are completed.”
The councillor has also been raising wider concerns about unadopted developments across Warrington and has questioned how the council uses financial securities attached to Section 38 highway agreements.
After what he says was approximately eight weeks of seeking information, including several requests which he says went unanswered, Cllr Roddy has received a written response from Council Leader Cllr Hans Mundry to a Full Council question.
The response confirms that Section 38 agreements require developers to provide financial security for adoptable highway works, normally through an approved surety provider rather than money being held directly by the council.
It also states that the securities remain enforceable until the council is satisfied that the developer has fulfilled its obligations and the relevant highway works have been formally completed.
Cllr Roddy welcomed the clarification but said he was still waiting for detailed information about individual developments.
He is seeking information including the current status of relevant Section 38 agreements, outstanding highway works, originally agreed completion dates, any extensions granted, the original and current value of associated bonds and whether formal notices have been served where developers are considered to be in default.
He also wants to know why the council has, or has not, exercised its rights where works have remained incomplete for extended periods.
“I find it extremely difficult to understand why, after approximately eight weeks and several previous requests receiving no response, a comprehensive list of these developments and their current status is apparently still being assembled,” he said.
“Eight weeks to reach the point where the information is still being compiled does not, in my view, represent a reasonable timescale.”
However, Cllr Roddy acknowledged that not every unfinished element of a housing development will necessarily fall within a Section 38 agreement.
“That is exactly why the Council needs to identify clearly what is covered, what is not and who is responsible for each outstanding area,” he said.
Vistry responds
Vistry said it understood residents’ frustrations and apologised that some elements of the development had taken longer than anticipated.
A spokesperson said the company remained committed to Rivers Edge and was progressing a programme of infrastructure, drainage and landscaping works.
“Following the approval of the relevant planning application in June, we continue to work closely with the local authority and statutory bodies to deliver the remaining elements of the development,” the spokesperson said.
“We are currently progressing drainage investigations, highway-related works and the appointment of contractors for the public open space, with those works expected to commence during the winter.
“Final surfacing works are currently anticipated to take place at the start of 2027.
“We will continue to keep residents updated as these works move forward and remain committed to delivering the outstanding works for the community.”
Meeting proposed
Cllr Roddy said he was now prepared to facilitate a meeting involving residents, Warrington Borough Council, Vistry/Countryside Homes and Torus.
He proposed that three resident representatives attend so that concerns can be discussed directly with those responsible for the various elements of the development.
“The purpose should be straightforward: establish exactly what works remain outstanding, identify responsibility for each element, clarify the Section 38 and highway-adoption position, and agree clear milestones and realistic completion dates,” he said.
“If bringing everyone together around one table can help resolve these issues more quickly, then I am very willing to facilitate that discussion.
“The people who live here have waited long enough. They deserve clarity, accountability and, above all, action.”
