Our views are being ruined by 50ft ‘big dipper rollercoaster’ – it’s destroying our picturesque village

RESIDENTS of a picturesque village have said their views are being ruined by a 50ft "big dipper rollercoaster".

The 450,000sq ft industrial unit was erected in less than ten days as part of a multi-million-pound scheme in Redditch, Worcestershire.

People living in the cul-de-sac fear their estate will be taken over by factory workers parking their cars and clogging up the roads.

The giant metal frame is the first of two planned for the community as part of a gateway scheme which will see industrial and housing estates popping up around the town.

Fuming locals say their once picturesque views of rolling meadows and trees has been ruined by the 50ft-high structure.

Some say drilling work is sending vibrations through their homes sparking fears of damage to their properties.

June Roberts, 69, a retired hairdresser, said: "I think it's destroyed the area."

Ann Thompson, 72, who has lived in the area for 12 years, said: "It's horrendous. Our main concern for all of us is the noise, air and light pollution.

"We've been told it'll be 24 hours a day. If the noise is going on all night I don't know what that's like.

"We're very stressed out as residents with grave concern about pollution. We've contemplated moving.

"My neighbour and I both have horrendous vibrations in our bungalow from when they were putting footings in.

"There were just enormous bangs at early hours. Parking is also another issue.

"My concern is if they can't park we think they'll come onto the estate. We're all devastated as it's been such a beautiful quiet area.

"We call it the big dipper because it's like having a huge rollercoaster being built behind your home.

"The width of the warehouse has trebled in size, it's frightening."

Resident Tony Bartlam, 75, who is recovering from a stroke, said: "I have to sit on my sofa looking out the window and instead of trees I'm looking at that monstrosity.

"It's affecting my mental health. I can see it in virtually full view from my armchair. At the moment it sticks out like a sore thumb.

"We've been in this house for 18 years and when we moved in they said it was green belt and wouldn't be built on but it's status has now changed over the years.

"I used to look up there and see a view of nice green trees and a hill. Now that's all been blanked out for me.

"I'm just recovering from a stroke and I have to be in the chair a lot. Looking at it all day is driving me crackers."

Jackie Lee, 40, says the area is already congested due to local businesses and claims locals feel like they've been "stitched up".

She said: "It's disgraceful. As there is set to be a pathway built from the gateway to Winyates Green, people who work there will be walking through the estate and parking on the closes."

Pam Oldfield, who lives on the estate, said: "When the structure went up it was a shock, it's a lot higher than we were expecting.

"We don't know who is occupying the building which is really important as we don't know the type of work they will be doing, working hours, and how it will affect noise and air pollution."

Chair of Winyates Green Residents Association Mark Crompton, slammed the plans, saying that officials have disregarded the consequences.

He said: "We feel like we are being dumped on. This monstrosity has been built and when are the trees going to be put up to shield at least some of the warehouse? We have been dealt a rough deal."

Stoford and contractor Winvic said: "Works are progressing at Redditch Gateway as approved by local planning authorities.

"Our teams on site continue to adhere to the latest working practices to ensure the programme is delivered quickly and safely, with as little disruption as possible."

Redditch Borough Council leader Matt Dormer met with residents last week to address their concerns.

He said: "We are where we are with the Redditch Gateway - it's about mitigation now.

"It's about how we can lessen the impact and make sure there are no more problems.

"I was against this from day one for an employment site. I will work with developers and the residents to get some sort of natural screening up."