ANGRY residents are considering legal action against a developer which is building in their streets, it was revealed today.

People living in Roegreave Road, Oswaldtwistle, have claimed their houses and cars are being ruined by sand and dirt as 80 homes are built.

The site, formerly a mill and a scrapyard, is being developed by Elite Homes, and work to make it suitable for construction, which will end in December, has been undertaken by Woodford.

Residents put a dozen questions to council planning bosses at a public meeting last night at the Rhoden pub and demanded answers to a range of planning decisions concerning road access and the position of the site so close to the brook.

Residents fear their homes are at risk of subsidence and that the new development will cause flooding from Trinity Street brook and Tinker brook.

They also asked Hyndburn planning officer Brent Clarkson why there has been no suggestion of an access route over the river, and why only one emergency exit protected with bollards was not seen as a danger.

Pauline Bartram, 56, is spearheading the campaign on behalf of a 25 residents. Mrs Bartram, 56, who lives with her husband David, 58, said: "We are pleased that someone from the council was sent to listen to our concerns but we were disappointed that we failed to get any concrete reassurance or answers.

"It is awful and our property is being damaged on a daily basis. The wagons are now being washed at one end of the site but they are still rattling around uncovered.

"We are determined to get something done and we are looking to start legal proceedings and get some kind of compensation."

The site manager failed to attend the meeting.

Ward councillor Jean Lockwood said the road was in an "awful state" and cars were thick with dust.

"You have to fight for your rights and I back their bid for compensation a hundred per cent," she said.

"They cannot let these people walk all over them. Some were even talking last night about considering moving, which is just not right. It was very disappointing that no-one showed up to represent the company."

Elite was unavailable for comment but last week said it had done everything in its power to try and ease residents' concerns.