DRIVERS face more delays on the M65 from another multi-million pound resurfacing programme aimed at improving the carriageway and reducing noise.

But Darwen householders plagued by the sound of vehicles have been told it could be five years before the motorway close to their homes is relaid.

Highways bosses are resurfacing both carriageways between Clayton-le-Moors and the A56 turn-off for Manchester, and work is expected to last until the end of June. The Highways Agency has warned that delays are inevitable.

The £2.9m resurfacing work is part of a rolling programme to upgrade the surface.

Last year the Highways Agency spent £2.4m renewing the surface between Burnley and Huncoat.

"The new surface will cut the amount of noise from the motorway by half," said a spokesman.

The reduction in noise will also benefit wildlife such as barn owls along the M65 corridor. Householders in the Earcroft area of Darwen are still campaigning to cut noise from the new section.

Harry Blackwell and his wife Dorothy have been campaigning for action to restore peace and quiet surrounding their home in Blackburn Road, Darwen, since the M65 extension opened more than two years ago.

Residents met Highways Agency officials last year to discuss the problem.

Mr Blackwell said: "They have erected a fence to try and cut some of the noise and that has worked to some degree but there is still a problem. We have been told it will be at least five years before this section could be resurfaced."

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