HOUSEHOLDERS are seeking compensation from high street giant Marks and Spencer following claims that construction work has caused structural damage to their homes.

A number of residents in Highfield Road, situated behind the new development in Prestwich, which includes a M&S neighbourhood food store and Carpet Right, have written to the company complaining of cracks that have appeared in the walls of their houses.

They claim the problems arose during extensive building work undertaken by M&S last year.

At the time of the construction, some concerns were raised about noise and disruption caused by the development and they were passed on to local MP Ivan Lewis, but residents are claiming longer-lasting effects.

Speaking at a public meeting to discuss the new Richardson's development just a few hundred yards away from Highfield Road, one woman claimed the building work had driven a family away from their home.

It is understood the family rented the house from a private landlord.

A spokesman for Marks and Spencer could not discuss specific details, but said: "We are in contact with the people and we are intending to resolve the situation with those concerned."

She said: "The first house in Highfield Road has a huge crack in it because of the development. The family had to move out because of the problems and they haven't come back."