ANGRY residents today blasted highways bosses for trying to reduce disruption to owls - but not giving a hoot about them.

Householders at Earcroft, Darwen, are furious at the Highways Agency's moves to cut noise on the M65 between Huncoat and Burnley junction.

The resurfacing work started last week and is expected to cause two months of traffic delays.

One of its aims is to safeguard the future of barn owls in the area, along with maintaining safety and reducing noise for residents.

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 motorway opened.

They were among about 100 concerned residents who attended a meeting with Highways Agency officials early last month to hear the results of an assessment and possible solutions to problems. Mr Blackwell said: "We were more or less told that it would cost too much to calm the noise from the motorway.

"Two thirds of the people affected are pensioners, like us. It is the disruption to our sleep which is most worrying.

"At peak times the noise is unbearable and it's not on.

"We are livid that they can justify helping the owls and yet not seem to be bothered about us."

A spokesman for the Highways Agency denied the needs of wildlife were being given priority over those of residents.

He added: "All the issues raised by the residents of Earcroft have been addressed and action is on-going.

"Their concerns and the works at Huncoat are two completely separate issues.

"The resurfacing work is part of our planned rolling programme of repairs and maintenance.

"Protecting the owls was not our only consideration. Safety is the main reason for the work because the existing surface had come to its life.

"The low noise surface fits our criteria in many ways, including environmental issues and the fact that there are properties in close proximity to the motorway."

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