RESIDENTS in Morecambe's West End claim their lives are being put at risk from lorries thundering along a back alley next to their homes. There is mounting concern from people on Sefton Road over what they describe as "a constant flow of lorries and trade vans" visiting the double glazing company Mastertrim Ltd situated in a narrow cul-de-sac. Plans currently under consultation to develop the company premises for storage space have angered local residents and they are mounting a campaign to block them.

Victor Unsworth, of Sefton Road, told the Citizen so far nearly 30 people had lent their support to a petition.

He said: "The roads of this residential area are not designed for such vehicles or trading estate activities and if this continues and is allowed to develop it will not be long before a fatality occurs."

Residents have complained that the back lane cul-de-sac is often choked with trade traffic even though many people need access to their garages at the back of the lane.

"The streets of this area are heavily populated by young and elderly alike and we dread the inconvenience, noise and pollution this area will be subjected to if the development goes ahead," added Mr Unsworth.

But these allegations were firmly refuted by company boss Arthur Malkin who is director of Mastertrim.

He said: "There is only one lorry once a week which goes down the back alley. Before we took over the premises they were empty and we were just trying to bring business to the area."

"We've talked to the council and they seem to think that everything was okay so I can't see where the problem is."

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