RESIDENTS have spoken of their frustration after insulation work on more than a dozen homes was left half-finished.

Contractors have fitted external insulation to scores of homes in Richmondshire.

The work was carried out by Thornaby-based company Cosyseal.

The scheme was funded by the Government, meaning tenants and homeowners received the improvements for free.

However, work stopped on a number of homes in the Forest Drive area of Colburn last month with only insulation fitted to ground floor walls.

Michael Waite, a homeowner from Beck Close, Colburn, said workers had walked off the job and removed all or most of their tools, equipment and scaffolding.

"I have been in touch with Cosyseal but all I was promised before Easter was a letter explaining the situation.

"We have been left with part-rendered houses with downpipes and fences removed - we are in limbo at the moment and it doesn't look very nice at all."

A spokeswoman for Richmondshire District Council said 14 properties had not been completed.

She added: "The reason the work stopped was that the funding stream stopped at short notice.

"However, we have been advised that funding has now been found and the work will commence shortly to complete the properties."

The council said residents would shortly receive information from the Yorkshire Energy Partnership to explain the situation.

Although the council was confident work would start soon, Cosyseal was more hesitant.

A spokesman said the the problem had been caused by a Government funding stream coming to an end.

He added: "A new funding stream is being released and will be available in June.

"We are working on a plan to carry out the work, although I can't give you a a deadline or a start date.

"We should know in the next few weeks - it's coming together nicely."

Last year, residents on the Leadmill estate in Catterick Garrison contacted Richmond MP William Hague after being told they would miss out on the insulation because they had already had other free insulation carried out.

Residents who thought they would miss out on the Government scheme said their homes would be devalued and the estate would look untidy with all but one property in some streets receiving the cladding.

However, the scheme was extended to a further 40 homes after the funding was extended.