RESIDENTS in Billingham are devastated that their pleas for a new road surface for the A19 have been rejected.

Excessive noise caused by cars travelling along a concrete section of the busy road has been seen as a problem for some time.

But now the Department of Transport has told the A19 Noise Action Group (A19NAG) that the road is not a priority for investigation and will not be subject to any changes in the near future.

Residents living close to the A19 in Billingham, who have been running the campaign for more than 20 years, say they cannot sit in their gardens or open their windows because of the noise.

They have been told changes will only take place if the road falls into a state of disrepair or when it comes to the end of its life, which could be up to 20 years away.

A commitment by the Highways Agency in 2002 to replace the concrete surface by 2011 was overturned, without consultation, in 2009. Members of A19NAG are concerned that people's health will be affected because the noise has been recorded at higher levels than what is deemed as desirable for general well-being.

Ken Charlton, member of A19NAG, said: "The surface was put down in 1981 as an experimental surface and it has never been changed.

"The ribbing effect on it is what makes the noise and as we live only 200 metres away, it is a massive problem.

"We have the support of our MP, Alex Cunningham, but we are looking to get more backing from others."

More than 72,000 vehicles use this stretch of the A19 daily, and with the potential for a new hospital inWynyard and the opening of a second Tyne Tunnel, residents fear the situation will get worse.

Mr Charlton added: "We have hit a brick wall, but we are not going to give up.

"We are hoping to get some formal support from Billingham Town Council and Stockton Borough Council."

No one from the Highways Agency was available for comment.