RESIDENTS claim they have suffered a summer of discontent and disruption because of work on a new school in Prestwich.

Construction of the new Manchester Jewish Grammar School in Charlton Avenue is in full flow after the old building was demolished earlier this year.

Staff and pupils are currently at a temporary site in Salford while their new campus is created and instead of cars blocking up the road during the school-run, heavy construction vehicles are now making frequent trips along the narrow cul-de-sac.

A group of elderly residents living in Charlton Court, which is a residential complex for over 55s at the end of the avenue, are fed up of the constant noise, dust and congestion and claim trucks start coming to the site from 6.30am.

The problems they are suffering are compounded by additional workmen in the cul-de-sac, including a resident building an extension to his home.

Speaking on behalf of the residents, Mr Hyman Foster said: "The contractors started clearing the site about eight weeks ago, the extension has been going on for months and other workmen have been there about three weeks.

"Last week the binmen had to come back a day later because the congestion was so bad. Some of my neighbours are aged in their nineties and they use Ring and Ride and ambulances but there are times when you cannot get a car down the road."

Mr Foster said a cleansing vehicle from Bury Council cleans up twice a week but the mess is just as bad when it leaves.

Northern Properties, who own the accomodation in Charlton Court, have written to Bury Council and the school governors to voice the residents' concerns.

Headteacher of Manchester Jewish Grammar School, Rabbi Phaivish Pink, said the problem had been exacerbated by a burst water main and the house extension but apologised for any inconvenience the school construction may have caused. He added: "The site had to be excavated and there was a great deal of lorry movement. The majority of that work is now complete so there should be less traffic, but then there will be delivery of materials. As soon as this project is finished the happier we will all be."

Chairman of governors, Mr Josh Pine said residents could raise their concerns with the site manager for contractors Crudens.