Neighbouring residents claim the National Stadium construction project is wrecking their lives.

The multi-million dollar Devonshire sports complex, which is already running behind schedule and above budget, is due to be completed later this year.

But neighbours say they're not prepared to put up with having a building site on their doorstep for much longer and are now considering petitioning their MPs.

They say dust and debris from the site is continually being blown through their homes.

And they also have to put up with noise and heavy traffic at the weekends as builders work around the clock to get the stadium completed as soon as possible.

Gwen Simmons, whose Roberts Avenue home is directly opposite the stadium entrance, said: "This is a residential area and sand keeps rolling over from the entrance to the stadium across the road and onto my front lawn.

"I can't understand why D&J Construction doesn't have someone sweeping the sand or at least watering it down.

"My house is directly across from the entrance. I've just come home tonight and my home is covered in sand.

"I know that the neighbours are up in arms at what's coming through their homes. All it calls for is someone to sweep it up. When it's dry and there's a wind it just goes everywhere.

"Some of the neighbours want to take up a petition but I don't think that's necessary.

"My husband spoke to one of the D&J people but nothing has been done. I'm thinking about taking legal advice because that's the only way I'll be able to get a result.

"Also, why is it that the trucks have to roll out of there seven days a week? People are home at the weekend and it's kind of unfair to them. Monday to Friday should be sufficient. This is a residential area and no consideration is being given to the residents. I bought this house three months ago and it's been going on for a while. I guess that's the reason why the previous owners sold the house.

"I'm a taxpayer too but I've never had a problem like this before.'' Neighbour Genevieve Gardner, who lives on Tribe Road No. 3, said: "It's really bad -- in November my house was so full of dust it just wasn't funny.

"The stuff goes all over my steps and through my house. I want to know how long this is going to go on for. It's really disgusting. I don't like to stay in the house with the house closed up but now I have to close up the house.

"One day my grandchildren were playing on the dining room floor and this was only about an hour after I had finished cleaning and dusting and they got covered in this white stuff. They also start really early. I'm an early riser and get up at about 7 a.m. and they're already at work. They also work at the weekends which is a real nuisance.'' Youth and Sports Minister Dennis Lister has promised to examine the complaints.

"I need to ascertain just what these complaints are and how many of them can be addressed,'' he said. "My door is always open and I will make a commitment to talk to the people who have spoken to you.'' A site manager from the stadium's main contractor, D&J Construction, confirmed that it may be possible to ensure that the roadway is swept on a regular basis.

But he added that he had received no complaints from residents and that the unusually dry spell was responsible for the dusty conditions.