Following last week's front-page story, the managing-director of Scorpion Developments has defended his plans to covert houses into flats at Lockerley's Oval Road.

William Kirkham said: "I would like to reassure residents that Scorpion Developments have no intention of purchasing all the properties on Oval Road. We have written to most households apologising for any inconvenience that our developments may have caused and expressed our interest in acquiring additional property."

Mr Kirkham said several households had contacted Scorpion Developments requesting valuations.

"As a business, we are not in the habit of buying properties cheap, but pay the market value. We are aware that more people are living on their own these days and it is our aim to provide lower-cost accommodation, enabling local people, young or old, to remain in the villages in which they grew up," he said.

"Our homes start from only £125,000, which is below the Stamp Duty threshold and Scorpion even pays buyers' legal fees to help them acquire the property. We consider part-exchange properties, thus saving sellers estate agent fees.

"As a family man, I have children who will soon be looking to get on the property ladder and it is almost impossible these days, with house prices so very high. There are few properties in Lockerley that are this keenly-priced."

The developer said Scorpion's homes were truly green, as they met stringent new energy ratings and were not built on greenfield sites.

Mr Kirkham said the his firm was keen to contribute to the local community and was paying £5,000 towards the footpath leading from the church to the village school and just over £6,000 towards the provision of parkland space in the area.

He added: "Residents should rest assured the developments will be a positive contribution to the local community. I also appreciate the concerns with parking. However, all flats will have allocated spaces and bicycle stores will be provided to encourage greener methods of transportation.

"I would personally like to thank the residents of Oval Road for their time and patience with the developments at No 24 and apologise, once again, for any inconvenience this may have caused. If you have any comments that you would like to make directly, then please e-mail info@scorpiondevelopments.com."