AN ELDERLY couple living near a new housing development claim heavy-handed builders knocked down part of their fence to get access to a site.

They say the workers used the shortcut to access land between Coombe Avenue and Larkspur Close in the Lodmoor area of Weymouth because they were unable to get on land earmarked for six bungalows.

Emily and Eric Wetton, of Larkspur Close, said they were left dumbfounded when the builders cut through a panel of their car park fence, putting machinery through for the Amberwood Homes project.

Mr and Mrs Wetton said when they asked the group what they were doing, they said they were from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

The couple, who moved into their home in 1992 when the estate was originally built, contacted the police.

The police told them they were powerless to do anything as trespassing was a civil issue. Mrs Wetton, 83, said: "When Eric asked them why they knocked down part of our fence the workmen just said they were from the council and started laughing. The council told us they didn't know anything about it."

Other homeowners say they also complained to police but were informed that unless the estate landowner, Betterment Properties, complained nothing could be done.

Families claim the area's wildlife will be devastated by the burning of trees and woodland to allow the six bungalows and garages to be built on the former tip site near Lodmoor Country Park.

Mr Wetton, 84, said: "We both adore animals and this area used to be absolutely lovely for wildlife but not now."

Residents in Coombe Avenue, which backs on to the development, said they have suffered from smoke caused by tree burning since work began.

John Coupe said: "The smoke has been really bad and we have contacted the environmental health department at the borough council asking them to look into it."

He added that houses have also lost privacy because of large trees and vegetation being chopped down.

The Amberwood scheme was given the green light by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council in November last year after seven homes and garages were originally rejected in July due to inadequate landscaping and overdevelopment.

Councillors were concerned at the increased threat of waterlogging in the area and also potential traffic problems with pupils attending the nearby St John's Primary School.

But they later backed the plan when Bournemouth-based Amberwood reduced the scheme to six bungalows.

An environmental health department spokesman said: "We are aware of a smoke problem in the area and are looking into it."

Amberwood Homes today refused to comment on the residents' claims.