A QUIET cul-de-sac has been transformed into a living nightmare, says a Colne Valley family.

Members say that since Christmas residents of Laburnum Grove in Golcar have been plagued with constant noise from workmen and vans.

Mum-of-three Jaime Evans said: "It has been an absolute nightmare. There are vans and lorries up and down here all day, from first thing in the morning until 6pm at night.

"The children can't play outside. It's just not safe.

"The workmen are using one of the houses as a site office, and even though there are two toilets in there we've seen one of the workmen urinating outside."

Ms Evans, 28, who lives with partner David Evans and is mum to Carlene, nine, Adam, four, and Charlie-Anne, three, said she had had to keep the children inside during the half-term holidays because of the dangers.

She said the road had been churned up by lorries and vans and her eldest daughter had been injured after tripping and falling.

A Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing spokesman said: "We and Kirklees Council Building Services are carrying out major improvements on houses on the Golcar estate as part of the Decent Homes programme.

"Before work began we applied for planning permission to use 1 Laburnum Grove as a site office.

"This was approved on April 8, 2005. Work began later that month and is due to finish in August.

"Before work began we held meetings with a number of groups, including the local tenants' and residents' association, to discuss what the work would involve.

"With any building project as big as this, there is some disruption.

"However, most people feel the end result is worth it. At a recent meeting a representative from the tenants' and residents' association commented on the overall improvements to the appearance and upkeep of the estate since work began.

"The grassed area used by children is not affected by the building work. However, we regularly clear litter from this area, along with the remainder of the site.

"Although there is an inevitable increase in traffic in the area we are unaware of any deterioration to the road surface as a result of the works.

"Building Services log any complaints received. The only one logged relating to this site is this one.

"We are unaware of any incidents relating to our workers urinating in the street or surrounding areas.

"If anyone sees anything like this they should report it as soon as possible. This kind of behaviour would be totally unacceptable and would be dealt with severely."