THE Highways Agency has apologised to residents who were kept awake by the noise of overnight roadworks on the A52.

The agency says measures have been taken to ensure noise is kept to a minimum during resurfacing of a mile- long stretch of Derby Road, between the Queen's Medical Centre and Priory Island roundabouts.

The work started on Monday under the proviso that no noisy machinery would be used after midnight.

But residents complained yesterday of being woken up by construction workers digging up the road in the early hours.

Beeston borough councillor Steve Carr has received 27 complaints from residents and was himself woken up by what sounded like "someone operating a chainsaw".

Mr Carr, who lives in Tracey Close, off David Grove, Beeston, which is about half a mile from the roadworks, said: "At about 2.15am we were woken up by what sounded like a chainsaw in the next-door garden, but it was coming from the direction of the roadworks. It didn't finish until about 3.40am. It wasn't continuous, it stopped and started.

"We're a good distance away from it, so for the people in Wollaton Vale and Lenton Abbey it must have been appalling. I think it's poor."

The Highways Agency originally planned to close Derby Road for up to four months this summer to allow it to be dug up and replaced.

But Notts County Council and Nottingham City Council strongly opposed the plans, which they said would cause gridlock for commuters.

The new plan will see the overnight works carried out until October 10, with the road closed between 8pm and 6am Mondays to Saturdays.

During the day, the speed limit will be cut to 30mph.

In addition to resurfacing, three pedestrian crossing points will be upgraded, road markings renewed, damaged traffic signs replaced and part of the road will be widened.

A Highways Agency spokesman said: "After negotiations with Nottingham City Council and the environment officer we have an agreement in place that the noisiest work on this scheme will only take place up until midnight each evening.

"Unfortunately on Tuesday night this was not the case and we would like to apologise to residents for the noise.

"The Highways Agency has taken this complaint very seriously and have taken steps to make sure it is not repeated."

Overnight diversions are taking westbound traffic along the A6005 University Boulevard and then Woodside Road to the Priory Island roundabout where they can rejoin the A52. Eastbound traffic is following a reverse route and can rejoin the A52 at the QMC roundabout.

For more information visit the website www.highways. gov.uk/priorytoqmc.