A MAJOR North Yorkshire housing development has been left in limbo following the collapse of construction firm Southdale.

Workers have downed tools on the 925-home Sowerby Gateway housing development near Thirsk, leaving developer Mulberry Homes trying to find a builder willing to replace Southdale.

Mulberry Homes Yorkshire, part-owned by Broadacres Housing Association, sought to reassure residents and house buyers that efforts were being made to rescue the project.

A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that as a result of Southdale going into administration, work has temporarily stopped on our schemes at The Oaks, Sowerby, but any homes that were near to completion will be delivered by local contractors as per the schedule.

“We have entered into discussions with the administrator and alternative contractors, and we are keeping all our future options open at this time. While there will inevitably be a short delay to the building programme, we expect work to restart on site very soon.”

The development has already drawn criticism from Thirsk residents, with protesters against Sowerby Gateway concerned that the area’s transport links could not cope with such a large scheme.