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'We're being threatened to move out of our homes to make way for Universal theme park'
At least a dozen homes on Manor Road, Kempston Hardwick, Beds, face demolition as part of work to construct the new 476-acre £50bn Universal theme park
Fearful locals are digging their heels in, refusing to leave their homes to make room for the UK's largest theme park. A dozen or so homes on Manor Road, Kempston Hardwick, Beds, are earmarked for demolition as part of the plans to build the new 476-acre £50bn Universal theme park.
It's believed that Universal has already snapped up seven properties, where the average house price is £380,500. These houses will be knocked down to clear space for the park and a new dual carriageway.
Some residents have already accepted formal offers and moved out, while others have had visits from reps asking if they'd be willing to sell up.
But at least three households on Manor Road have told Universal they're not budging, and they're worried about what the future holds.
One resident, Claudia Pixley, 45, said she's frustrated about not having a clear idea of what could happen to her home, where she lives with her seven year old daughter, if she refuses to sell.
Ms Pixley's home is on the road that'll be sandwiched between the theme park and a construction village.
She also claimed she'd been 'threatened' and 'bullied' by a rep working on the construction site for Universal.
Ms Pixley, who's lived in her bungalow for a decade, said: "He knocked on my door and I invited him in to talk about what was going to happen.
"When I said I didn't want to move, he said 'if you're going to be difficult, we can build the theme park entrance opposite your house'.
"I couldn't believe it. It was threatening.
"We're just asking for basic human decency. I'd like to see someone come round and speak with us fairly.
"We thought we might be forced to move under the compulsory purchase order but we've now been told that won't be the case.
"Between us residents remaining, we have contacted the borough council and Universal - nobody would tell us anything.
"We still haven't had contact from Universal even to this day."
Universal has plans to construct a dual carriageway adjacent to their homes, which will be wedged between the theme park and an under-construction village.
The developers are seeking a 'Special Development Order', which could potentially grant them powers for compulsory purchase.
Universal Destinations and Experiences, known for operating theme parks and resorts globally based on the works of the Entertainment conglomerate, is renowned for successful film franchises such as Fast & Furious, Jurassic Park, and Despicable Me.
The park is set to house Europe's tallest rides reaching 377ft (115m), with completion targeted for 2031.
Ms Pixley revealed that a group of residents had 'descended' upon a parish council meeting in June due to lack of answers.
She also expressed concerns over a proposed dual carriageway along Manor Road, which would channel visitors into the park, leading to heavy traffic.
The landlady added: "This is the only home where I've truly felt happy. I raised my daughter here and we want to stay.
"I know people are all for the theme park and they're excited but we want respect."
Tom, 66, has been a resident at his current home for over three decades. While he's not against the park, he feels that locals have been left in limbo.
The father of two expressed: "We used to look out onto fields and now we're facing a construction site for years.
"I think it would be good for the area and for the UK but everything's up in the air at the moment.
"With a divorce, they talk about 'what you're accustomed to'. We're not going to get any of that.
"I wouldn't be prepared to move but if there was no other point and it was for the right deal, I guess we'd have to.
"It's bullying."
Those still residing on Manor Road claim that those who have already made deals and relocated were satisfied with the compensation they received.
However, some locals have also been asked to sign non-disclosure agreements by the company acting on behalf of Universal.
Tenant Ritchie Wood, 54, has lived on Manor Road for a decade and fears he would be homeless if his landlord decided to sell.
Ritchie, who works in the construction industry, stated: "If they do buy it off my landlord, where am I going to go? They'd be taking away my home.
"I'd want Universal to rehome me. The theme park is a good thing for the economy but there needs to be some sort of fair compensation.
"I can't understand why they won't speak to us. My concern is the lack of contact.
"It is a worry as to what is going to happen to our homes."
She stated: "My parents are in their 80s and they live five minutes down the road. I want to be close to them."
However, relocation is not an option, as she explained: "But even if I looked at other villages nearby, it'd be triple the rent."
Regarding the impending development, local residents have been kept somewhat in the dark, with letters addressed vaguely: "Universal have sent letters saying they'd acquired land but they're all a generic address to the homeowner or occupier."
The lack of personal touch has left a sour taste: "You'd think they'd at least learn our names."
Universal has been invited for a comment.
Daily Star Sunday
At least a dozen homes on Manor Road, Kempston Hardwick, Beds, face demolition as part of work to construct the new 476-acre £50bn Universal theme park
Fearful locals are digging their heels in, refusing to leave their homes to make room for the UK's largest theme park. A dozen or so homes on Manor Road, Kempston Hardwick, Beds, are earmarked for demolition as part of the plans to build the new 476-acre £50bn Universal theme park.
It's believed that Universal has already snapped up seven properties, where the average house price is £380,500. These houses will be knocked down to clear space for the park and a new dual carriageway.
Some residents have already accepted formal offers and moved out, while others have had visits from reps asking if they'd be willing to sell up.
But at least three households on Manor Road have told Universal they're not budging, and they're worried about what the future holds.
One resident, Claudia Pixley, 45, said she's frustrated about not having a clear idea of what could happen to her home, where she lives with her seven year old daughter, if she refuses to sell.
Ms Pixley's home is on the road that'll be sandwiched between the theme park and a construction village.
She also claimed she'd been 'threatened' and 'bullied' by a rep working on the construction site for Universal.
Ms Pixley, who's lived in her bungalow for a decade, said: "He knocked on my door and I invited him in to talk about what was going to happen.
"When I said I didn't want to move, he said 'if you're going to be difficult, we can build the theme park entrance opposite your house'.
"I couldn't believe it. It was threatening.
"We're just asking for basic human decency. I'd like to see someone come round and speak with us fairly.
"We thought we might be forced to move under the compulsory purchase order but we've now been told that won't be the case.
"Between us residents remaining, we have contacted the borough council and Universal - nobody would tell us anything.
"We still haven't had contact from Universal even to this day."
Universal has plans to construct a dual carriageway adjacent to their homes, which will be wedged between the theme park and an under-construction village.
The developers are seeking a 'Special Development Order', which could potentially grant them powers for compulsory purchase.
Universal Destinations and Experiences, known for operating theme parks and resorts globally based on the works of the Entertainment conglomerate, is renowned for successful film franchises such as Fast & Furious, Jurassic Park, and Despicable Me.
The park is set to house Europe's tallest rides reaching 377ft (115m), with completion targeted for 2031.
Ms Pixley revealed that a group of residents had 'descended' upon a parish council meeting in June due to lack of answers.
She also expressed concerns over a proposed dual carriageway along Manor Road, which would channel visitors into the park, leading to heavy traffic.
The landlady added: "This is the only home where I've truly felt happy. I raised my daughter here and we want to stay.
"I know people are all for the theme park and they're excited but we want respect."
Tom, 66, has been a resident at his current home for over three decades. While he's not against the park, he feels that locals have been left in limbo.
The father of two expressed: "We used to look out onto fields and now we're facing a construction site for years.
"I think it would be good for the area and for the UK but everything's up in the air at the moment.
"With a divorce, they talk about 'what you're accustomed to'. We're not going to get any of that.
"I wouldn't be prepared to move but if there was no other point and it was for the right deal, I guess we'd have to.
"It's bullying."
Those still residing on Manor Road claim that those who have already made deals and relocated were satisfied with the compensation they received.
However, some locals have also been asked to sign non-disclosure agreements by the company acting on behalf of Universal.
Tenant Ritchie Wood, 54, has lived on Manor Road for a decade and fears he would be homeless if his landlord decided to sell.
Ritchie, who works in the construction industry, stated: "If they do buy it off my landlord, where am I going to go? They'd be taking away my home.
"I'd want Universal to rehome me. The theme park is a good thing for the economy but there needs to be some sort of fair compensation.
"I can't understand why they won't speak to us. My concern is the lack of contact.
"It is a worry as to what is going to happen to our homes."
She stated: "My parents are in their 80s and they live five minutes down the road. I want to be close to them."
However, relocation is not an option, as she explained: "But even if I looked at other villages nearby, it'd be triple the rent."
Regarding the impending development, local residents have been kept somewhat in the dark, with letters addressed vaguely: "Universal have sent letters saying they'd acquired land but they're all a generic address to the homeowner or occupier."
The lack of personal touch has left a sour taste: "You'd think they'd at least learn our names."
Universal has been invited for a comment.
Daily Star Sunday