RESIDENTS who scored a massive victory over Two Rivers Housing's grass cutting charges are now facing fees for footpath and road repairs.

Campaigners are calling for the housing firm's chief executive to resign after a judge at Bristol County Court ruled the 2,200 families who were billed by the housing authority for 'service charges' do not have to pay.

The recorder said that there was no proof that the home owners had enjoyed the benefits of the grass when they were tenants of the firm. But as the judge was reaching a verdict, bills for up to £500 were landing on the doorsteps of homes around the Forest for other repair works.

Organisers who raised funds for the court battle are calling for those who paid to be refunded, and for housing boss Garry King to 'fall on his sword'.

"It's been three long years but the result was definitely worth waiting for," said Amanda Sterry, a former Cinderford town councillor.

"It shows what people power can do when in a fight for what's right against a large corporation.

"The chief executive Garry King said that people who paid out would be refunded if they lost, so that is what now needs to happen.

"He needs to resign because his position is now untenable."

It is expected that Two Rivers Housing will be ordered to pay the residents' court costs, which run to £10,000.

Amanda said this money, if paid out, would be distributed among charities in the Forest.

District councillor Norman Stephens (Ind, Newnham and Westbury) said: "It appears at long last that common sense has prevailed.

"This issue has caused a great deal of worry for people across the Forest and I think most people will be thrilled with the decision."

But this week residents in St White's in Cinderford got bills for £500 to repair a feeder road while residents in Stantway Lane, Westbury-on-Severn were asked to pay between £390 and £450 for footpath repairs.

Lynn Davies, from Westbury, said: "They've done half the paths over the last few years without charging so why are they starting now?

"We can't get any answers."

Two Rivers director of development and asset management Matt Hunt said: "In light of the recent summary court judgement in relation to grass-cutting, we are reviewing how we provide estate services to freeholders including those living at Gatwick Close and Stantway Lane.

"Once the situation has been clarified we will be informing those residents involved."