Bosses at manufacturing firm Flakt Woods say they have no plans to force people to sell up to make way for a new housing development.

Rumours that compulsory purchase orders could be used to buy houses in Bergholt Road, Colchester, have been circulating.

Concerned residents fear their homes are being earmarked for demolition to make way for a roundabout into the Tufnell Way site.

But Flakt Woods today denied having anything to do with the whispers.

"We are not and never have told people there will be compulsory purchase orders," said human resources chief Colin Game.

"We understand another developer has been sticking letters through people's doors saying they are interested in purchasing people's homes. But it's nothing to do with us and nothing to do with our planning application."

One resident said: "There are so many rumours going around. We have a neighbour who's has been told her house is going to be compulsory purchased. She was very upset."

Flakt Woods believes other firms may be trying to get involved in the development of the area. It has launched an investigation into what is going on.

Meanwhile, the company has met some concerned residents to try to clear up the confusion and calm fears.

Bosses are looking to overhaul the Tufnell Way factory or move to a new base in Colchester.

Cuckoo Farm is being touted as one possibility.

Published Thursday, May 22, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette