OBVIOUSLY Crest Nicholson has been hanging around too long before taking any action to develop the former Bymacks factory in Dursley.

The delays have led to outbreaks of vandalism, a series of fires including the most recent and most serious and now a colony of protected bats has made itself at home.

The bat issue first caused a delay to redevelopment six months ago. At the time Crest Nicholson said it hoped to start work on the site soon. The months have come and gone and nothing has happened - except an increase in problems from the site.

One of the outcomes has been the closure of the bottom of Long Street, which has become a major issue for residents who say they can often find nowhere near their homes to park, not to mention drivers forced into a lengthy detour.

And on a daily basis residents say they have seen articulated lorries forced to turn in a tight space because drivers have not seen the diversion signs. How long will it be before a lorry gets stuck or there is a serious collision?

This week two councillors have sought to allay concerns that nothing is seemingly being done. Now there is the early prospect of Long Street soon being re-opened once safety hoardings have been erected around the badly damaged Victoria Works.

A firm start date from Crest Nicholson would also be welcome.