Three different firms are implicated, so rather than this being one rogue builder, there seems to be a deeper malaise. It looks as if the builders are happy to take the money but then drag their feet when it comes to completing the job – at Central Park, Keepmoat have kept house-buyers waiting for 10 years.

In Blackwell, they’ve been waiting five years – despite paying at least £525,000 for their new homes – and in Hurworth, paths are still incomplete after two years.

Story Homes, at Blackwell, blame "unforeseen technical challenges and ecological requirements" for the delays, without specifying what these might be.

There are many serious points here. Firstly, homebuyers have mortgaged themselves up to the hilt only to be left disappointed – this is terrible customer service from the builders and it would not be acceptable in any other line of business.

Secondly, there are literally thousands of homes going up around Darlington – are they all going to be left incomplete?

And then, thirdly, where are the planning officials and building standards people who are supposed to protect the public?

Perhaps developers should be forced to pay a substantial bond to the council before a shovel goes in the ground so that if the development is not completed as stipulated in the planning permission, the council can use the bond to complete the job.