One resident, Coral Steel, who lives on Maclagan Street in the city said she could not cook because vibrations were taking saucepans off her stove.

Contractors Edmund Nuttall Ltd declined to comment on the claims.

The Highways Agency said it would consider any applications for compensation it receives.

'Professional way'

It added that work was carefully planned to keep disturbance to an acceptable level, but because of the restricted space work was necessary near to some properties.

Any complaints have been dealt with in a professional way, the agency said.

Labour city councillor Pauline Joynson said: "I don't really know who's to blame.

"We've got to start working together as a partnership, to find out who is responsible because these residents are waiting for answers."

The road fully reopened last Tuesday after two-and-a-half years of roadworks.