Villagers are worried the works will increase congestion

The A453 will close on two consecutive weekends starting from 2200 BST and will reopen at 0500 on Monday.

Villagers fear the work close to Junction 24 of the M1 will result in extra traffic using minor routes.

But the Highways Agency said that because of the volume of traffic it is impossible to carry out the repairs while the road is open.

Added congestion

Officials say a complete closure is the safest and most effective way of getting the work done.

One resident told the BBC: "This village is used as a rat run to avoid the traffic jams that are caused at the Crusader Island so we get this traffic congestion coming through this village every morning.

Another person added: "People are using the back roads to escape the daily traffic jams.

"If the road is closed completely then we're going to have all the big wagons and it's the noise and the fumes, you can smell the diesel.

The road is being resurfaced in preparation for the winter.

Residents in the surrounding area have been warned about the closure and there will be Highways Agency marshals posted on the route to advise motorists where to go.

During the weekend closures, motorists heading between Nottingham and the M1 will be diverted along the A52.