AN investigation has ruled out claims there was a “design fault” in doors fitted to homes in a new housing estate which was being exploited by burglars.

Wirral’s housing chief Cllr George Davies has reassured residents that security and safety of the doors has been double-checked and is all in order.

The checks were carried out following a break-in at Brassey Street, Birkenhead, which the victims believed had been aided by a “design fault.”

They said they were told by police that this apparent “fault” in a door frame had helped burglars gain access.

Development company Keepmoat and Cllr Davies - council cabinet member for housing and community safety - said following intensive checks on all security measures, the homes have been found to be safe and fully secure.

Councillor Davies said: “I am deeply upset for the people who have been burgled and it’s an awful thing to have to go through.

“But I want to now reassure people who live on the estate at the moment or potential buyers that extensive checks have been made.

“All the houses meet quality design standards and Keepmoat is a highly-reputable national company and we would expect them as our partners to meet these standards.”

David Wroe, Keepmoat’s new-build managing director for the North West, said: “We have looked at the fixtures of the door mechanisms with our suppliers and manufacturers and everything is fully in order.”

The estate is part of Birkenhead’s regeneration project and is still being built; its first residents moved in to their new homes late last year.