LOCAL builders and craftsmen have been left thousands of pounds out of pocket after the main contractors at the prestige csma development at Parkend, near Lydney, suddenly went into liquidation.

After a series of furious rows the local men – some of whom had received cheques which bounced only last week – were given further cheques by the csma.

But the row is simmering and a number of craftsmen have walked off site.

The development, due to open shortly, will make the former Whitemead Park headquarters of the Forestry Commission one of the most luxurious holiday parks in the west.

A host of local men had been sub-contracting work for the main developers, Full Construction. They have been helping to build chalets, a swimming pool, restaurant , ballroom and a mini supermarket.

Local traders worked around the clock to help meet deadlines.

"Our thanks were cheques that bounced," said John Moth, owner of Forest Scaffolding who, after refusing to leave the site until he was paid, deposited a five figure cheque into his bank only to have it returned.

"A lot of self-employed people have been hit sideways by this. It is a scandal that needs to be exposed. A lot of those working there feel as though they have been taken for a ride – no-one can tell me the company did not know what was going on yet they let some of the men work weekends and until as late as 10pm knowing very well they would never get a penny," said Mr Moth.

The police have been asked to investigate an allegation of wrongdoings by the contractors and Mr Moth is meeting Forest MP Diana Organ this Friday and will urge her to take the matter further.

The prospect of a blockade of the holiday park was averted on Monday when csma chiefs called a meeting and agreed to pay the cheques that had been returned to local contractors.

But those who have received nothing will not get a penny.

In a statement to the local men csma say: "csma as the client of Full Construction will then use its best endeavours to be in a position to pay other properly due monies once having achieved the authority to do so from the advisers to Full Construction."

The news of the liquidation came in a short statement from Full Construction which is owned by Beechbrook Ltd.

In a statement to the Review csma said that until the position became clearer the opening of Whitemead Forest Park would be delayed. "It is anticipated that the site will be open within July," they say.