WORK has stopped on a Sandymoor housing scheme for older people after the Warrington-based developer got into financial difficulties.

Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury was taken to the site, which is located in his constituency alongside Sandymoor retail centre.

The project was being delivered in partnership with Government agency Homes England before Lane End Developments, based on Stockport Road in Thelwall, entered administration.

The firm, which has built more than 1,100 homes in the north west and it is believed to employ around 100 members of staff, is currently on-site on a string of projects.

Mr Amesbury has written to housing association Livv Housing Group, which was due to rent out the five two-bed bungalows and 44 one and two-bed apartments for the over 55s from this spring.

The MP, who has also written to Homes England, said: “The fall-out from this company going into administration is having a damaging impact across the north west.

“Housing schemes are on hold, not only here, but at Helsby and Northwich, all in my constituency.

Work on the stalled Lane End site in Sandymoor

Work on the stalled Lane End site in Sandymoor

“I have also been contacted by a former employee of Lane End who was among more than 20 workers laid off in early April.”

Mr Amesbury added: “I hope the developer can secure the funding needed to carry on in some form.

“But I have written to Livv Housing Group to seek its view on how to get the Sandymoor scheme back on track.”

Lane End Developments previously built the retail centre accommodating the Co-op, Chatwins bakery and Sandymoor Vets.

There are growing concerns that vandals are entering the vacant building site after work stopped.

A Sandymoor resident added: “It is important these homes are completed for the benefit of older residents in the community.

“But they also look unsightly in their half-built state and are starting to attract vandals, who are causing damage and could be putting themselves in danger.”