RESIDENTS living above the John Lewis department store are losing sleep over the forthcoming women’s fashion department – literally.

IT’S being sold to customers as an “exciting new concept” in women’s fashion.

But to shattered residents living in flats above the John Lewis department store in WGC, it’s been three months of sleepless nights.

Since work on a �2m refurbishment of the store’s women’s fashion department began in January, tenants living in Park House, the residential flats above John Lewis, say they have been kept awake all night by builders noisily working beneath them.

And several shattered occupants have called the Welwyn Hatfield Times saying they’ve had enough of the racket.

Joanne Greenleaves says the noise is keeping her and eight-month-old daughter Isabella awake all night.

“We’ve had drilling, hammering and banging,” Ms Greenleaves said. “Sometimes it goes on through the night. It goes quiet for a few hours then starts up again.”

Fellow resident Mark McGrane said he and his wife had been awoken by noise at 4am.

“It’s been playing havoc with our sleep,” Mr McGrane said. “You wouldn’t put up with neighbours causing this noise; you’d phone the police.”

Despite several calls to John Lewis and Welwyn Hatfield Council, tenants say the noise has continued for eight weeks.

A John Lewis spokeswoman said: “We have tried to carry out the work with minimal disturbance to residents.

“We have made it clear to our contractors that noisy work should not take place after 10pm and that sound levels should be monitored throughout the night.”

But tenant Vicky Morgan, who is moving out next month because of the noise disputed this.

She said: “They work 24 hours. They say it stops at 10pm, but it doesn’t.

“I’ve called and complained and I’ve just had enough now,” she added.

A Welwyn Hatfield Council spokeswoman confirmed the council had spoken to John Lewis after receiving complaints in January.

She said: “So far, we have not received any further complaints. If residents are still being disturbed by noise during the night, then they should to speak us.”

If you have been affected by the noise, call the council’s environmental health service on 01707 357242.