FED-UP residents have had enough of what they call the never-ending nightmare of the Five Links redevelopment project.

Basildon MP Angela Smith and Labour group leader Lynda Gordon are now trying to find ways to improve the daily lives of existing home owners.

Yobs have plagued the area since the Swan Housing development began and residents are not happy about the ongoing “unacceptable” levels of dust and noise.

Some residents are also concerned about emergency access gates getting blocked and putting lives in danger.

Mrs Smith said: “Too many people have contacted me about increases in antisocial behaviour, graffiti, rubbish dumping and drug-dealing.

“Everyone accepts a level of disruption, but this has become intolerable. Persistent vibrations from machinery cause dust and noise levels which are unacceptably high.”

Lynda Gordon, who is a councillor for Lee Chapel North, added: “Lives are being made a complete nightmare by the attitude of those responsible for the redevelopment.”

This is the latest set-back to befall the Five Links project which is currently focusing on knocking down 41 homes and garages in the Mellow Purgess area and replacing them with 186 flats and houses.

Although planning permission was granted in November 2007, demolition work did not get under way until last May.

The Echo reported how the delay initially caused levels of crime and vandalism to soar as yobs played havoc in the empty houses, prompting complaints from residents of drug dealing, prostitution, arson and looting.

David Ward, 64, of Mellow Purgess, said: “We have had a lot of problems. They go back four years.

“Nobody cares about the residents, the developers haven’t handled it very well at all.

“It’s getting beyond a joke.”

He is also worried about the emergency access gates situation. He said: “At Christmas they parked a digger in front of one of our emergency access gate. I got hold of the site manager and they moved it, but I shouldn’t have to do that.”

His wife Pauline Ward, 64, described a similar incident.

She said: “Five weeks ago I had to call for an ambulance to my granddaughter while she was staying at my home.

“But the ambulance couldn’t find a way in because the access route had been changed months ago and no one told them.

“The signs have been sorted out now, but only after we complained.”

Another resident, who asked not to be named for fear of being branded a trouble-maker, added: “It’s dangerous the way houses around here are built, fire can spread very quickly.”

Deputy council leader Tony Ball, who is in charge of housing at Basildon Council, said: “There have been issues since development started. It’s a hazard with any major scheme like this.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused to residents, but at the end of the day, it’s about improving quality of life.”

Dave Poulter, from Swan Housing, added: “Swan is committed to realising long-lasting benefits for residents. Local peoples’ concerns are of paramount importance. We are concerned to resolve any issues and to work with Angela Smith and councillor Gordon.”