Residents have expressed growing frustration over an unfinished green space and children’s play area which is still claimed to be “out of bounds” in Midsomer Norton.

A total of 40 people have now moved into the Backhouse Housing development, off Silver Street, since 2022, but the community open space remains fenced off and incomplete.

Some planting was carried out in late 2024, but no further progress has been made, and residents also claim that parts of the area flood during heavy rain, with minimal drainage or topsoil in place. The play equipment, where installed, is described as being “not fit for purpose.”

Backhouse Housing states on its website that buyers of the homes will benefit from community spaces, with the Midsomer Norton scheme described as featuring "generous open green spaces with places for residents to meet and enjoy living in the local community."

However, the Silver Street space remains fenced off, despite homeowners purchasing their properties with the understanding that they would have access to a nature park and play area – something particularly important to the many young families living there.

The customer care team’s response to resident Ann Birtwistle’s recent email was “it is not a matter for customer care” and her concerns have since been forwarded to the head of construction, Matt Bishop.

Mrs Birtwistle claims residents’ have received little response from the company, leaving residents frustrated with the lack of engagement.

Some residents have raised concerns about the delay in completing the green space, questioning whether it will be finished before the two-year deadline outlined in the approved plans. If the work is not completed within that timeframe, there are fears the developer may no longer be obligated to fulfil the original commitment.

A thin layer of topsoil has been spread over compacted rubble, with grass seed sown on top, creating an uneven and unfinished surface, it is claimed. The work carried out so far has apparently not resolved existing drainage problems, and parts of the site allegedly continue to flood during periods of rainfall.

Trees have also been planted on in the area but they have struggled to grow and so far have made little impact on the look or feel of the space. A 400-metre hoggin path has been laid, but it sees limited use, and the landscaping as a whole still feels unfinished, Mrs Birtwistle said in an email to the Journal.

There are allegedly no proper pathways or seating areas for the residents on the development to enjoy and the lack of progress on these essential features leaves the space looking “barren and unwelcoming.”

Mrs Birtwistle has raised these issues on behalf of local families, particularly for the benefit of young children, urging for the park's completion to address their ongoing distress.

Ann said: "It would be lovely to get together in the park area as a community and plan for the May anniversary of VE Day. But we can’t plan anything as it’s out of bounds."

Backhouse Housing did not respond to a request for comment.