A STUCK crane in the middle of a Hampshire city has left residents waiting to move into their new homes hanging around.

The 200ft high crane was hauled into place more than two years ago as work on the project in the heart of Winchester began.

However now, with building work nearly finished and the new homeowners about to move in, engineers have realised that the machine is stuck in place with no obvious way to get it out.

Work started on the Northgate Chambers scheme at Staple Gardens in early 2005, with the development by Laing Homes a mix of offices and residential apartments.

The company has now told the waiting residents it hopes to have the crane removed by the end of this month, and is bringing in a mobile crane to try to lift the old one out piece by piece.

Laing Homes has also applied to Hampshire County Council for permission to close off two roads surrounding the development - Tower Street and Tower Road - on Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23, while the crane extrication takes place.

One of those waiting to move into her new home is Hilary Simonson, who paid £300,000 for her apartment.

The former nurse is hoping to start a therapeutic massage business in the property's spare room, however she says she cannot start until she can actually move in.

She said: "My life is on hold and I'm literally living off my savings because I'm having to pay rent while I'm waiting for my new home to be ready.

ready.

"It beggars belief that a company could put up a crane without being able to remove it again."

ready.

"It beggars belief that a company could put up a crane without being able to remove it again."

Another resident, who asked not to be named, is buying the three-bedroom penthouse underneath the crane.

She said she expected to occupy the property - valued at more than £500,000 - in early August.

She said: "I had my mortgage offer available for six months, but now I've had to extend it."

She added that seeking compensation would be tricky, as Laing Homes had never provided a cast iron moving date.

"I've always had to phone them, as they've not kept us regularly informed in the past. I hope that when I arrive there will be a bottle of champagne and a bunch of flowers, but I've a feeling that won't happen," she added.

The developer declined to comment.