THE owners of a pensioners' sheltered housing complex have apologised to its residents following problems over essential repair works.

Elderly residents have protested that their homes have been encased in scaffolding and green mesh for five months, causing ventilation, dust and noise problems.

Some residents have been unable to open windows because of planks resting on scaffolding and have suffered from excessive heat.

But when windows have been opened dust from renovation work has invaded their flats.

Scaffolding went up on Montpellier Court, which overlooks Low Harrogate Stray, near the town centre, to carry out roof and cladding work.

Nicky Garside, assistant director of health for Harrogate Borough Council, said a visit to the property had revealed residents were experiencing some "very uncomfortable" situations.

Ventilation, noise and dust had also caused problems when work was carried out directly outside windows.

The department has now submitted an action plan to the company to overcome the problems.

A spokesman for Northern Counties Housing Association, in Morley, Leeds, said they were sorry for inconvenience caused because of the essential maintenance work on the building.

He said the association had made a commitment to respond to suggestions made by the environmental health department.

He said: "We have worked hard to liaise with residents concerning essential safety works on the building with meetings and correspondence.

"Work is now due for completion at the end of September, two months ahead of its original schedule.

"The association stresses that any possible solutions to the problem must adhere to health and safety regulations which are, of course, paramount to protecting the residents in their homes, the public and contractors while this work is in progress."