BUNGLING builders working on Southam-pton's £12 million regeneration scheme have started on site - by smashing their way into the wrong home.

St Mary Street resident Richard Hazelton is refusing to leave his home to make way for the redevelopment of the area by Bellway Homes.

He and his sons could not believe it when they realised workmen were trying to smash into his home with sledge hammers.

Bellway's Development Manager Adrian Coots said he was deeply embarrassed at the mix-up, especially as a compulsory purchase order has been issued to Mr Hazelton and so far no agreement has been reached over the future of his property.

He said: "It would seem that inadvertently one of the contractors has been a bit too enthusiastic and has mistaken Mr Hazelton's property for one of the boarded-up properties.

"The damage is superficial, but nevertheless it is very unfortunate under the circumstances that this has happened. I have apologised to Mr Hazelton for this incident."

The workmen began trying to access Mr Hazelton's property shortly after 9am. They gouged holes in the front door and stopped when they were challenged by the Hazeltons.

Moments later the workmen tried to get in at the rear of Mr Hazelton's property and again he rushed to repel them.

He said: "I know I am a thorn in their side but I didn't realise that I was that big a problem that they had to come smashing into my home," he said.

Mr Coots explained that the contractors were checking each property so far acquired by Bellway Homes and clearing them of debris. "We are clearing them in readiness for the archaeologists moving on site, prior to the development getting under way," he added.