MP Peter Mandelson has apologised to near neighbours who complained about parking problems and disturbance caused by his home visits.

The former Northern Ireland Secretary, who represents Hartlepool, said: "I would like to apologise straightaway for any nuisance or disturbance caused to you."

In a personally signed letter he adds: "I am sorry if you have been inconvenienced in any way.''

The move follows complaints by near-neighbour Catherine Leslie. She said residents in the quiet road were fed up with barking sniffer dogs, could not park outside their own homes and suffered disturbance from bomb squad officers, armed police, secret servicemen and Mr Mandelson's aides.

The matter has divided the residents. One mother, who asked not to be named said she was concerned for the safety of children in the street because of the number and speed of cars in Mr Mandelson's entourage. But Jacqui and Jim Cummins, who live on the other side of the street from Mr Mandelson, were supportive of their MP.

In his apology to neighbours Mr Mandelson wrote: "One of the penalties of serving in Northern Ireland is that you become vulnerable to terrorism. But the arrangements made by the police are not only for my security, they offer protection to all my neighbours."