Villagers are still fuming about being left next to a ghost town – for over TEN years.
New build houses in Sorn have been under construction since 2007 in Woolmill Place — and they remain unfinished and empty.
In an estate of 16 houses, only three are occupied and habitable — the rest lie derelict with no sign of restoration.
Weeds and grass have grown to four feet tall on an estate where prices were once up to £280,000.
Woolmill Place residents say they are outraged that McLaughlin Construction appear uninterested in finishing the project.
Shannon and Billy Bigham, 67 and 68, have stayed in their big villa since the building began.
Retired education officer Shannon said: “The fact we have to stay in this kind of place is nonsense.
“I understand that these projects take a lot of time - but nothing has been done for years.
“When we moved here we were promised that it would be a great community and we believed them.
“The thing is this would be a fantastic place for families to live as it is such a nice village.
“We would have a great chance of winning village of the year, but due to this one street we can’t even apply for it.”
After the initial builders went bankrupt, McLaughlin Construction bought the site for around £2m but has done little work since.
Gas supplies have been turned off and the axing of a gardener has led to the jungle-like growth at the four bed houses.
The houses are located at the far side of Sorn overlooking the River Ayr and Dalgain Farm.
At a quick glance the houses look almost fit for purpose from the outside - but on closer inspection it is clear they are far from it.
A number of the houses have gaping holes in the roof, in which birds are getting through and making themselves at home.
Ceilings and walls are collapsing inside the house, and the floors are nowhere near safe.
Roughcast has also been discoloured by a growth.
And Shannon tried to get some action from the council, but to no avail.
She said: “I contacted East Ayrshire Council but they told me there was nothing they could do.
“I don’t think it is their fault to be fair, and I think the council’s hands are tied.
“There have been multiple offers made to buy the site, but for some reason they don’t want to sell up.
“There were investors from Australia looking to buy - and also Hope Homes made an enquiry, but none of these were answered.
“If they don’t want to build anymore then fine - but sell it to someone who does.”
Paul McLaughlin, owner of McLaughlin Construction, refused to respond to the Post regarding the issue.
