RESIDENTS have voiced their concern after a motorway diversion was set up near their homes.

The A27 is being used regularly as a diversion route for traffic on the M27 as works continue on Smart Motorway upgrades.

The diversion is currently starting at Junction 7 and running along the A27 to Junction 5, via Church Hill, Mansbridge Road and Wide Lane.

This is causing “major issues” for residents of West End as motorway traffic is forced to travel closer to homes, causing increased noise, especially at night.

Those affected have been in contact with Eastleigh MP Paul Holmes, who is now now calling for Highways England to reconsider its diversion to provide “respite” for residents.

He said: “I have enormous sympathy with the residents of West End who have been affected by this and that is why I have been pushing Highways England and Hampshire County Council to make improvements.

“We need an alternative diversion route put in place as well as the introduction of additional measures, such as temporary speed restrictions, to slow traffic down and make it quieter.

The MP added that work is progressing and he’s confident improvements can be made.

Leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, Keith House has also received complaints about the diversions and said it is all down to bad management.

He said: “I have sympathy with residents and Highways England and the Department for Transport need to be hung out to dry.”

A Highways England spokesperson said: “We appreciate living near roadworks is not easy, and are grateful for people’s patience.

“We are working with Hampshire County Council on ways to limit the impact of diversion routes on residents, and will continue to look at ways of limiting the impact on those affected.”