ANGRY Worcester residents say they are being driven round the bend by noise after a busy road was resurfaced.

Back in July Worcestershire County Council decided to surface dress the busy A449 as part of a record £4.5 million roads upgrade project.

But people living in Claines, right next to the huge carriageway, say the new noise levels are driving them "bonkers" as traffic trundles over the gravel chips, leading to a "constant droning" sound.

One section of the A449 between the sign for Blackpole and Claines island, heading towards Worcester, runs alongside a series of back gardens.

Some people say "from 7am until half eleven at night" they have to endure the extra racket.

The city's MP Robin Walker and Councillor Sue Askin have also had to get involved after residents contacted them to express their dismay.

One resident has even offered the council chance to put noise monitoring equipment in his back garden.

Steven Smith, of Claines Lane, whose home backs onto the road, said: "It is a lot of noise.

"I actually used my iPad to measure it once the road had the new surface dressing and it was 70 decibels.

"Cars do go very fast along that road especially as coming this way, it's going slightly downhill - it can be incredibly noisy.

"You could hear noise before but the difference now is, you can hear the tyres digging into the road. It's like a constant droning noise.

"I reckon you can hear it half a mile away."

Resident Sarah Stowell, 41, who also lives off the A449, said: "It can drive you bonkers.

"My sister lives in a property in Claines Lane and it's a lot worse than before, the traffic used to wash over you.

"The least the council could do is put a fence up or something."

Mr Smith, who used to be work for Highways England before he retired, has met the council and offered them chance to record the noise levels in his garden.

William Morcom, also of Claines Lane, said: "It is a real local issue.

"If something could be done to address it I'd back it - it is certainly louder."

Mr Walker has asked officers at County Hall to consider doing something with the road itself or erect some protective fence, a call backed by Councillor Askin.

He said: "People have told me the noise levels have changed enormously, it is a matter of concern to a lot of residents.

"I'm very sympathetic to what people are saying, especially for those who have lived there for a long time."

The county council says following concerns it is actively monitoring the new noise levels.

A spokesman said: "The council recognises that surface dressing may cause a temporary increase in traffic noise while chippings become embedded within the road surface.

"We are currently monitoring the situation and will consult with residents to look at possible improvements.

"Surface dressing can extend the life of a road by up to 10 years and is an essential part of the highways maintenance.

"It is a cost effective method of maintaining the road condition and is less disruptive for motorists and residents."