A HALF-BUILT and abandoned “mini-village” of flat-pack homes has been branded an “eye-sore” as serious concerns are raised it could sit empty for the foreseeable future.

Guinness Homes and modular home manufacture Ilke had promised to deliver 131 “exquisite” and affordable homes on the Meadow Grange site, off Fossetts Way in Southend.

Work begun and large parts of the homes were built, but the project was thrown into disarray earlier this year when Ilke Homes went into administration.

Tony Cox, leader of the Conservative-run council, has said the firm has left them in the dark about what is going on and the council has had no contact at all.

Mr Cox said: “It’s immensely frustrating because the whole idea was to get them up so people can have a home.

“I understand nothing could’ve been done regarding Ilke Homes, but updates for people on what’s going on would be good.

“I’m hoping the situation will be sorted as soon as possible to get people in.

“What I do want to make clear is this project is out of the council’s hands, meaning Guinness has not approached us for talks or asked for any form of help.

“However, if they did want some assistance in terms of trying to find a partner available, we might be able to help them.”

The project was so close to completion, that the firms involved had already started taking reservations on homes built in the development.

On September 1, it was announced Ilke Homes entered administration after failing to find a buyer.

The Echo has repeatedly asked Guinness for updates on the project, but the firm have not responded.

However, a message on their website says they “hope to resume work as soon as possible”.

Daniel Cowan, Southend Labour leader, said: “It’s annoying because it’s half-built, nothing’s being done and is an eye-sore.

“Guinness really needs to give those residents who reserved properties and the council some updates on what’s happening.

“If they need assistance, I’m sure the council could help in some way.”