RESIDENTS living near the A419 who have suffered from years of disruption because of noise caused by the surface of the dual carriageway have criticised the Highways Agency for ignoring their appeals and concentrating on repairing another section of the road.

Homeowners near Cricklade have long complained about loud noise caused by the road’s concrete surface.

And they are now furious that work to resurface a worn asphalt stretch of the road between Cricklade and Swindon will stop short of Latton.

The decision was taken by the Highways Agency because its policy is to only resurface roads which are worn.

A spokesman said the concrete section was much more durable.

The residents were dealt another blow this week when it was revealed they will have to wait until at least 2020 until any action is taken.

Janet Sharpe, 55, a committee member of the A419 Action Group, said: “It is causing stress.

“People can’t open their windows or go out in their gardens. It is an issue 24-hours a day. In bad weather conditions the problem is greater.

“Our voices are not being heard. We are in an area affected most by the noise. What we would like is resurfacing and it is disappointing to see them fix other sections.”

The A419 near Latton was identified as a problem in noise maps for England’s roads produced by Defra in 2008, and the Highways Agency pledged earlier this yeat to come up with an action plan to solve the issue.

But this week a spokesman gave the same response.

North Wiltshire MP James Gray said: “I have spoken with the HIghways Agency and they have said the issue won’t be looked at until 2020 or 2021.

“There are motorways all over Britain that need work to be done.

“This is classed as a new road and it is not prioritised.

“I have campaigned long and hard over the years not just for the A419 but the M4 and have come to the conclusion over the years that we are at the end of a very long list.”

Swindon Council has discussed the possibility of noise reduction measures on the A419 near Swindon, which is also made of concrete.

Ideas include special sound muffling barriers.