A WAR of words has erupted over a Roman burial ground that stands in the way of a barrier being built to stop the “horrendous” noise off the A419.

The row comes after campaigners in Merlin Way, Covingham, won a hard-fought battle for a fence to block traffic noise.

The Highways Agency had initially promised that all the houses would be screened. But now the work is almost complete, several residents are protesting they are still exposed to the disturbing din.

That’s because the agency says it would cost too much for a specially designed part of the fence to be erected over Roman remains to the rear of their homes.

An agency spokesman admitted that the original plans did cover all the houses but insisted that those who would not benefit from the fence were warned.

Wal Solan, 54, a project manager from Merlin Way, said the agency had promised to build the fence on top of a mound over the burial ground to avoid damaging the site.

Mr Solan said: “I think everyone understands that a Roman burial ground cannot be directly built on. However, we were promised the agency would be able to get around that.

“They delayed the project for years because they kept telling us that they were working out the details with English Heritage. Then we got a letter telling us that the fencing would not be erected outside the rear of our homes.

“It was very annoying considering that before that point everyone on the street had been led to believe we would have a fence built to block the noise from the A419.

“Recently my wife was on the phone with her sister in the back garden and was asked if she was calling from the M4.”

Kelly Sutton, 26, who has lived in Merlin Way for 10 years, said: “I’m not sure why others on the street should benefit and not us.”

But Richard Elliott, 70, said that after 15 years of writing letters he was delighted to have the new wall, which runs the length of his property. He said: “Not only is the noise a duller and lighter sound but you are less aware that lorries are constantly whizzing by your window.

“I think the biggest difference is in the garden – you are certainly less aware that the A419 is only metres away. I do know some of my neighbours are suffering. Hopefully it can all be worked out.”

A Highways Agency spokesman said: “It was hoped the proposed noise fence could extend to the A420 off slip road.

“However, at the public meeting held by Michael Wills MP in January 2005 it was explained that the archaeology could have on impact on the cost and whether a design could be achieved that would be allowed through the scheduled ancient monument (SAM).

“It was also pointed out that its length was limited because the forward sightline to the A420 northbound off slip road.

“The noise fences at Kingsdown and Covingham were then put on hold awaiting funds from a centrally controlled budget.

“A method of building the fence through the SAM was developed – sitting in the existing highway ditch on shallow mass concrete shoes – and was agreed in principle with English Heritage.”

But he said the cost was still excessive and it then became impossible to consider the length opposite Nythe Farm without jeopardising the entire project.