Building workers were ordered to down tools for 24 hours after the Surrey Comet reported safety concerns over their methods to Kingston Council.

NCA Building Contractors had been working on painting the outside of Avante Court in The Bittoms, Kingston, since the end of April.

But concerns have since been raised about unattended items such as electrical cables and a cherry picker and no barriers or warning signs for pedestrians.

A nearby resident who did not want to be named, said: “The contractor has not given his workers on the cherry pickers hard hats or hi-vis jackets and there are no barriers or signs to prevent residents, pedestrians and vehicles from passing underneath the falling water, paint, and potentially hazardous machinery left unattended on the road and pavements."

Councillor David Cunningham, lead member for environment and transport. said: “As soon as we became aware of the concerns raised by the Comet we visited the site and instructed the contractors to stop the work to Avante Court until such time as we could be satisfied that the appropriate safety regulations were being adhered to.

“This morning we made a return visit to the site and were satisfied that everything was in order for contractors to complete the work safely. Works will be back under way this afternoon and are expected to complete next week.

“We are grateful to the Comet for bringing this to our attention.”

Residents who wish to alert the council to any similar issues should call 020 8547 5002 or visit kingston.gov.uk/report.