A HORSE was left trapped overnight in metal fencing dumped by workmen in Woolston.

The animal became trapped in the field on Battery Lane next to where developers are building 10 houses for David Wilson Homes.

It was left for hours until neighbours were alerted to its distress on Thursday, using wire cutters to set it free. The horse did not appear to be injured.

Residents also say that nails, old pieces of fencing and barbed wire are being left in the field.

David Foster, of Battery Lane, said: “I was out with my dogs and a resident shouted me over that a horse was trapped.

“I went round to the area which now has the six foot fencing around.

“I managed to get in and just comforted the horse “We used wire cutters to cut a hole in the fence panel.

“The contractors were sat in their van, on Battery Lane, blocking it.”

The development by DWH continues to cause controversy.

As revealed in the Warrington Guardian, the plans to build the homes - metres from where banks of the River Mersey suddenly collapsed - drew an angry response from neighbours.

Six horses are kept in the field next to the development site but owner Jane O’Neil has been told to move them.

A spokesman for DWH said land will be now provided for the animals.

“Safety on our construction sites for residents, employees and animals alike is of the highest importance to David Wilson Homes.

“We have been working closely with the tenant, Mrs O’Neill since February 2011 and have repeatedly agreed her request to extend her license to keep horses on our land in Woolston at no charge.

“Prior to fencing work commencing on this site, we advised Mrs O’Neill of the impending works and suggested the animals be relocated.

Furthermore, David Wilson Homes are assisting with the relocation of the horses by providing substantial new fencing materials to ensure the long term safety of the horses on an adjacent field.

“We appreciate the concerns of residents and will continue to work with both Mrs O’Neil and our fencing contractors until the horses have been relocated, so that any concerns are addressed as quickly as possible.”