RESIDENTS of Royston were shocked to discover they would lose large chunks of their gardens to make way for the Coombes Hole underpass. Compulsory purchase orders were issued by Hertfordshire County Council so that they could obtain the land needed to mak

RESIDENTS of Royston were shocked to discover they would lose large chunks of their gardens to make way for the Coombes Hole underpass.

Compulsory purchase orders were issued by Hertfordshire County Council so that they could obtain the land needed to make way for the �3.6million scheme.

Houses in Brook Road and Hardy Drive were affected, and Paul Jeray, of Hardy Drive, was served with an order to purchase half his garden - about 27 square metres.

He said: "We have had no prior warning about the severe effect this will have on our home, and we are left wondering where our children will play after next summer."

A council spokesman said: "There have been a number of meetings with affected residents, and as part of the planning process notices were erected on site and put in the press."

Also in the news...

- Hundreds of people, including South Cambridgeshire MP Andrew Lansley, joined a protest march through Bassingbourn to show their opposition to the gipsy and traveller site proposed for Spring Lane.

- Plans for 190 new homes at Ivy Farm in Royston were announced. Property consultant Bidwells said the development would meet the affordable housing criteria.

- A Royston resident was charged with assault after tackling yobs who threw apples at his house. Roland Digby, of Burns Road, was charged after attempting to make a citizens arrest on one of the youths.