VILLAGERS are worried that new quarrying works could mean 150 lorries a day will soon be thundering past their houses.

Birkby-based Marshalls, who produce stone, concrete and clay for building, want to quarry at a site in Outlane.

But people living near White Rock Quarry, off Dean House Lane, are demanding that Kirklees and Calderdale councils bring in tight rules to prevent what they call "an accident waiting to happen".

The newly-formed White Rock Action Group (Wrag) has already challenged Marshalls, but because the licence to use the site was granted in 1964 there is nothing they can do to stop it.

Wrag chairman David Union, of Gosport Lane, said: "In June, Marshalls sent a few letters out to some of the people who live near the quarry saying they were going to be removing spoils from the quarry before starting full work in September.

"The lane these huge lorries are using is narrow and not really suitable for use by such big vehicles.

"At first the lorries were travelling far too quickly. We asked Marshalls to attend a meeting where we could discuss this and try to get something done.

"To be fair to them, they sacked the original contract drivers, but there is still a lot of concern about the added traffic," said Mr Union.

"I think this is an accident waiting to happen. We already have busy roads, but if you add what could be up to 150 lorries every day to that it is only a matter of time before something goes wrong.

"We understand and accept that we cannot stop them quarrying and we are not trying to stop them.

"We are asking the company to be more responsible about it and look into building a road that would allow them easier access into the quarry."

Rory Kendrick, Marshalls' managing director said: "We have held two meetings with local residents to share our proposals for White Rock Quarry.

"Following residents' feedback we have introduced a `courteous driver' scheme, to ensure that the local haulage company and their drivers are considerate and courteous at all times.

"We have already received positive feedback from residents about this."

The company has made proposals to widen Dean House Lane to make access to the site more suitable, but Mr Union still believes there will be problems if the lorries are travelling through Outlane.

Mr Kendrick added: "As a significant local employer, Marshalls is committed to being a good neighbour.

"Our proposals, like the improvements to Dean House Lane, will offer benefits to the residents who use it.

"We are also in constant communication with local residents, on both an individual and community basis, and this will continue."