A couple, who have been suffering from health problems, believe they were caused by building works near their property.

Shirley Hunter, of Wingrove Drive in Strood, says she has had breathing issues, sinus infections, headaches, nose bleeds, shortness of breath, and has coughed up phlegm for the past 18 months.

Her husband Tony, age 56, has been experiencing similar problems.

She believes her problems are linked to the dust generated from the building site for Medway Council's Strood Waterfront Regeneration Project.

The construction work, in Canal Road, Strood, is about 160 metres from her home.

After four medical appointments her GP has put her deteriorating health down to the building works, which started when her illness began.

Sixty-four-year-old Mrs Hunter said: "My GP asked if I had changed anything in the last year and the only thing I could think of was the building site.

"When I look along Canal Road I just think what have they done to my lovely walk way to Strood Station?" Mrs Hunter

"We are unable to put washing out in our gardens to dry as it comes in full of dust and dirt.

"We don't allow our grandchildren and great-grandchildren out in the garden as the dust and dirt will affect their health.

"It's getting to the point that I am unable to go to social events as the coughing is becoming not only a nuisance, but a total embarrassment.

"Our windows and cars are forever filthy and we had to have our locks changed because they were filled with dust.

"When I look along Canal Road I just think what have they done to my lovely walk way to Strood Station?"

Mrs Hunter, who works in the housing department at Southwark Council, suspects negligence from the contracted builders.

She said: "They should be spraying the site wet everyday, and they clearly aren't doing it, so the dust is being blown into my house."

Mrs Hunter has contacted Medway Council public health about the issue.

The council has confirmed it received the report, however the health team has not concluded its investigation yet.

"We don't allow our grandchildren and great-grandchildren out in the garden as the dust and dirt will affect their health..." Mrs Hunter

A Medway Council spokesperson they felt it was inappropriate to give a name said: “We take all reports of health concerns extremely seriously and we are looking into it, however, the resident’s claims have not been substantiated.

"Dust levels have been closely monitored throughout the construction works.

"When residents raised concerns the team stopped work.”

If the dust level got too high, for example during windy conditions, the work was stopped and the area was sprayed with water to remove the dust.

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