IT MAY be Christmas, but it seems there is no sign of peace on Earth for neighbours of the M11 this week.

Residents of Theydon Bois, Abridge and Debden say they have been kept awake for the past two nights by a constant banging emanating from roadworks.

The works, near junction five of the motorway, are to combat a landslip along about 200m of embankment caused by heavy rain.

The first phase of works, scheduled to run from 10pm to 5am until Saturday 22, will see temporary supports installed.

Work to repair the embankment will then start on January 7 and is expected to last for eight weeks, according to the Highways Agency website.

Ellen Buck, 53, of Hill Road, Theydon Bois, said she and her son had been kept awake by the roadworks for the past two nights.

She said: "It starts at about 10 o'clock and it's constant, constant, constant.

"It's like Chinese water torture."

She said she had contacted the Highways Agency to complain, but was told the emergency works could not be rescheduled.

"I said 'why can't you do it when people are fast asleep,'" said Mrs Buck.

"They are saying it's an emergency but if it's that urgent why not do it in the day? What about us?

"We've got sleep deprivation. We have to get up at 6am for work."

Disgruntled residents also took to Twitter last night to air their frustration.

Nik wrote: "The Theydon Bois M11 banging has started again, pretty much "bang on" at 11pm."

Glenn M ‏directed his tweet to the Highways Agency, writing: "Is this banging on the M11 acceptable? Looks like another sleepless night on Theydon Bois, Debden and Abridge."

Paul Robinson, Highways Agency asset manager, said: "Safety is a top priority for the Highways Agency.

"We are carrying out this work now to prevent any further landslips that could result in emergency lane closures on the M11.

"We have planned the work to minimise disruption to road users and will carry out the work overnight, when traffic flows are lowest, and in two phases."