Managers at a retirement village that has this week told it needs to improve by inspectors have apologised after nearby residents complained about building work leaving paths “caked in mud”.

Audley Chalfont Dene, which boasts online about being a “luxury retirement village” has caused frustration among its neighbours in Chalfont St Peter after construction vehicles left pathways and pavements in a “state”.

The complaints from residents come in the same week that the village’s latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) report was made public – with inspectors deciding improvements need to be made.

Describing the problem, a neighbour in Rickmansworth Lane, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “Ever since they built the place, people living nearby have not been happy. There have been a lot of issues.

“Recently, they have had diggers driving over the pavements, resulting in a lot of mud. I have complained about it but they don’t seem to care. The grass verges look a right mess because they drive over them and park on them every day. It is really frustrating.

“For a while it was okay because the weather was dry but now that it has been raining it is a nightmare. When I take my son out, our shoes get covered in mud. It has been nothing but inconvenience for the residents.”

Paul Morgan, managing director – operations at Audley Group, said the work is due to finish soon and any damage will be rectified.

He said: “We apologise if any inconvenience has been caused. The footpath has been swept and the verge will be tidied. In future, boards will be laid for deliveries to ensure the path remains clean for pedestrians.

“Our works will be complete – subject to weather – in two weeks at which point we will ensure the area is left clean and tidy.”

In response to concerns raised in the CQC inspection, Mr Morgan added: “The mainly administrative issues raised by the CQC have already been rectified, and with a new experienced manager in place who has met with most of our owners, we are confident of securing an improved rating when we seek reassessment in October.”