A NUMBER of Delabole residents have expressed their concern at the recent influx of lorries travelling through the village to a construction site.

Work on new, affordable homes has meant locals having to be aware of the large vehicles throughout the week.

Bill Daye of Penmead Road, said he has suffered damage to his parked vehicle, allegedly caused by the massive industrial vehicles struggling to cope on the narrow roads. The lorries are also leaving layers of dust throughout the village, causing more hassle for vehicle owners.

Long hours also mean that villagers are being disrupted at difficult times of the day – including early in the morning.

Delabole resident, Audrey Goodman, who also lives in Penmead Road, said she was not happy with the increase of lorries to the village and had concerns, not only for people's property, but their safety as well.

She said: "They have been coming through here at all times of the day – an articulated lorry drove by at 7.10am the other morning. They kick up a lot of dust and cover all of the parked cars. I personally haven't had my car damaged, but I am aware some people may have. The roads simply aren't wide enough."

The welfare of young children in the village is also of concern to Mrs Goodman. She added: "With all the parked cars and lorries coming through here, if a child were to run out the driver wouldn't see them coming."

Clerk to St Teath Parish Council, Sue Theobald, was disappointed at the manner in which Cornwall Council had dealt with the issue.

She said that upon submission of the initial planning application for the construction of the 21 affordable homes, the council had agreed to widen Penmead Road prior to work starting for ease of access.

That has not happened and the widening of the road is due to start in the first week of May ­– despite building work having been well under way for a while now.

Alan Fox, project manager of the Community Land Trust which is behind the development plans, said that measures were taken to mitigate any problems with residents of the area.

The only complaint received by Mr Fox was regarding an articulated lorry that was travelling down Penmead Road.The 'Considerate Lorry Scheme' operated by the trust and contractors means that the use of articulated lorries is minimal, and rigid flat bed trucks are used the majority of the time.

However, Mr Fox admitted it was "inevitable" some articulated lorries would be used, due to the size or needs of the delivery.

He understood the reason why the widening of the road had not yet taken place was down to technical reasons ­— more specifically if the widening is needed, and if so, the new width itself.

"As far as I am aware, the imminent widening of the road is not going to be a significant increase.

"There are no police restrictions, no highways restrictions preventing use of the road. We look to mitigate all issues with people nearby.

"I'm not sure of any complaints the contractors may have received but that will be checked upon and they will be worked out."