CLOUDS of red dust from a Bromsgrove housing development have put neighbouring residents through a 'year of hell', causing permanent damage to their homes.

Residents surrounding the Norton Farm build in Birmingham Road say they have been unable to open their windows during the recent heatwave without their belongings getting coated in a clay-like substance.

Pennine Way homeowner Matt Giles says he has had to start using an inhaler, despite not having asthma, as the dust has got into his carpets and curtains.

He said: "The dust is driving me absolutely insane.

"The kitchen cupboards are filled with it, the car's filthy and the white garden furniture is all stained red. And the dust doesn't just brush off - it's sticky like clay."

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Another resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the problem had made her a 'prisoner in my own home'.

"It's honestly like living in a desert sandstorm," the resident said. "You can watch the dust spiralling up into the air - I can't even see through my conservatory roof anymore.

"During the Beast from the East, we actually had red snow because of how much dust was in the air.

"I had new windows installed two years ago and all the white sealant has been stained permanently pink.

"I can't hang washing out and I've given up cleaning my car now.

"It's been so hot but I can't open the windows because then all the dust comes into the house.

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"I feel like a prisoner in my own home. It's really taking its toll on my mental health."

Ward member Councillor Rod Laight is now campaigning for affected residents to receive compensation.

He said: "This has gone on too long and enough is enough. We've been talking to the developers for months and been ignored.

"I've been receiving distressed calls from residents from 7.30am in the morning.

"A public meeting has been asked for and I am coordinating the process and arrangements."

Construction on the Barratt Homes development, which will feature 300 homes and a children's play area, started in November 2016.

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A spokesman for the homebuilder said: "We continue to work closely with the local authority and residents surrounding our Norton Farm development to minimise dust during the construction process and communicate the measures we are taking.

“Following a meeting with local residents we have implemented additional water suppression measures, including a larger water cannon, four water bowsers, two of which are continuously towed and a dumper spraying water across the site. We have also put up netting to reduce the level of dust leaving site.

“Residents have visited Norton Farm for a tour with our site manager to see the measures in place for themselves and we have offered window cleaning to them.

“We are committed to developing Norton Farm in a considerate manner and would encourage anyone who has concerns to get in touch with us directly.”