HOUSEBUILDERS across the town have closed down their construction sites amid concerns about coronavirus.

Building work at controversial development Ambrose Gardens, Old Town, in Wichelstowe, Badbury Park and Tadpole Gardens has been halted temporarily.

It came despite government guidance saying construction sites would not need to shut during the lockdown.Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said this week: “If you are working on site, you can continue to do so. But follow Public Health England guidance on social distancing.”

Taylor Wimpey said in a statement announcing the closure of sales offices and sites: “Our absolute priority will be to carry this out safely and securely, while continuing to support our customers and employees.

“We would like to apologise if this decision inconveniences you. However, we hope you understand that our first priority has to be your safety and that of our employees and contractors. We also believe we have a wider responsibility to the communities within which we work, old and new.”

The firm’s development on land off Croft Road, Old Town, had been controversial. Those with homes overlooking the site campaigned vigorously in 2017 in an attempt to stop it getting the green light from council planners. More recently there have been complaints about noise and pollution from lorries delivering materials to the construction site.

Barratt Homes, which is building homes in Wichelstowe, Bellway at Tadpole Garden Village and Badbury Park builders Persimmon have all also opted to temporarily halt work on their sites.

Earlier this week Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said that the Government’s rulings on whether construction sites should remain open had been anything but clear.

He said: “Mixed messages are spreading further anxiety at a time when hundreds of small builders face immediate lost earnings, having to make their staff redundant, and seeing their companies go to the wall.”

In guidance issued on Thursday the Government said critical house moves would be allowed. But ministers urged people to delay moving house where they could.The communities ministry said: "There is no need to pull out of transactions, but we all need to ensure we are following guidance to stay at home and away from others at all times. Prioritising the health of individuals and the public must be the priority.”