Transport Scotland have apologised on behalf of their operating company for noisy overnight roadworks in Largs which forced some residents to take days off their work to recover.
MSP Kenneth Gibson has received the apology from the roads transport chief after taking the matter up on constituents' behalf.
Roy Brannan Chief Executive of Transport Scotland said: "These works were to replace lining on the road and the noise was due to the machinery used to dry the road prior to lining.
"Unfortunately there is no way to reduce the noise from this device.
"Our operating company Scotland Transerv should have consulted with local residents in advance of the works.
"It doesn't appear that the necessary consultation took place with local residents and we apologise on behalf of Scotland Transerv for this oversight.
"Works were programmed between 8pm to 6am to allow the road to remain open.
"To carry out the works during the day would require a full road closure and lengthy diversions.
"Works were planned for 8pm on 9 January to 6am on 12 January and were completed early by 6am on 11 January.
"We will ensure that our operating company Scotland Transerv review their operations in future to avoid similar complaints and ensure that local residents are given advance notification of the potential for noise as a result of the works."
However, one of the angry residents affected, Gary Hume, had had to take two days off this work such was the extent of the impact, bringing up the issue with local police and North Ayrshire Council.
He told the 'News': " I think it was very underhand the way they went about things.
"I'm guessing the reason there was no consultation is they new they would be to many complaints.
"Also no-one from the company has responded to me personally."
MSP Kenneth Gibson said: “Following complaints for local residents, I contacted Transerv which confirmed with their contracting company, Markon Ltd, that the white-lining works have now been completed and no further work will be carried out.
“While Transerv try and take noise disturbance to domestic properties into account, they said a compromise has to be made between disrupting the flow of traffic during the day when the road is busiest and some night-time noise. On this occasion, they judged it best to minimise disruption and carry out the work at night.
“The noise was caused by the burner which burns the old paint off the road. There is no other, quieter machinery available to do this.
“I have suggested that, in future, notifying local residents of the work times, the reasons for them and how long such work will take would be helpful."