Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has said Nottingham City Council should look at compensation for residents impacted by tram works.
Mr McLoughlin visited Beeston to look at the impact of the works on residents and businesses.
But while he expressed sympathy for the impact of the works, the Derbyshire Dales MP added the tram could have a "very positive impact" in the town.
Construction work is continuing on the line, which will run to Toton, and is expected to finish in the first part of next year.
He said: "I am disturbed and disappointed with what I have been hearing about the liaison.
"We had one lady who is on the liaison committee and says she often learns things from in the paper.
"It's not really acceptable for someone who is going to the trouble of trying to be involved and contributing."
Mr McLoughlin also said he understood the frustration of people with the delays to the project.
The original plans would have seen the road closed partly for 18 months, but this was switched to a 12 month full closure in December 2012.
The road shut last March and has still not reopened.
Mr McLoughlin said: "If they had stuck to the 12 months, I think people would have said 'ok, 12 months, we don't like it but we'll put up with it'.
"But it's the 'neverendingness' of it.
"One of the things I am picking up from talking to people is the lack of information about exactly when things are happening.
"They get told part of the road will be closed and the whole road is closed, but I think that is part of the lessons that need to be learnt from a project like this.
"When you do large infrastructure projects, they always come with some inconvenience but these people should know what is happening."
The Transport secretary visited residents on Lower and Fletcher Road as well as businesses on Chilwell Road at the request of Broxtowe MP Anna Soubry.
Ms Soubry said: "People have got to learn the lessons. I'm delighted that Patrick takes the view that the city council should look at compensating residents because they should.
"Their argument may be they didn't do it for Line One so why should they do it here, but they should look at it very seriously because people have been through hell for two years."
NET Team Leader Steve Tough said: "While we are able to compensate small businesses where they can demonstrate loss of earnings resulting from the tram works, nationwide there is no such mechanism for compensating residents.
"However, we recognise that the works have been disruptive and are very grateful for the patience people have shown. We will be looking for opportunities to recognise this for those most affected after the most disruptive works are finished in a few weeks. "
