RESIDENTS on the beleaguered Croft housing estate in Christchurch, have received �12,500 for improvements following intervention by MP Steve Barclay.

The breakthrough follows a public meeting organised by the MP, after which he took up the case of the residents with the administrator and solicitors involved.

Hazelmere Homes, the developer of the Croft estate, went into administration leaving roads and pavements unfinished and confusion over a number of large bills relating to electricity, sewage and drainage. This left it looking likely that residents would have to pick up the bill.

Mr Barclay explained that a bond left by the developer was discovered in the hands of Hazelmere’s administrator, yet the residents had been unable to access this for over four years.

However, following his intervention the deadlock has been broken, with money being released.

Mr Barclay said: “Residents had been repeatedly told that nothing could be done to help them. I am delighted that this money has now been released to help kick-start the much needed remedial work’.

He added: “This does not mark the end of the difficulties for residents, but at least it provides some positive news after many months of frustration. I will continue to pursue solutions with the various external bodies involved”.