Opposition Leader Kim Swan has called on Government to give residents more warning before undertaking works in their neighbourhood.

The St. George's West MP received several complaints yesterday from people who woke up to find a bulldozer creating a new road outside their homes.

The work is taking place in a wooded area by Fort George Hill, on a hillside to the south of St. George's Golf Course.

Minister of Works and Engineering Derrick Burgess met with Mr. Swan and some of the residents yesterday afternoon to explain the work going ahead.

The Minister said the road was being built at the rear of a handful of houses, to give occupants and emergency vehicles easier access. Vehicular access is currently restricted due to a hill.

Mr. Burgess added Government did not need planning permission to cut the road, as it was on Government property.

But Mr. Swan said more notice should be given in the future. "Government has to keep people in the loop," he said.

"These residents woke up to see this bulldozer. They said they should have at least been notified.

"To see bulldozing taking place in front of their homes without any notification is alarming.

"In the absence of needing Planning permission, the Ministry of Works and Engineering should ensure that all neighbours receive notification of such works in their communities."

Mr. Swan said: "Whilst the Minister was respectfully apologetic for not notifying these residents it is merely a courtesy and not a requirement, there is little recourse to hold Government to the same rules as the general public regarding proper Planning approval process."

Government declined to comment last night.