A HONLEY firm says its plans for a lorry-turning area in the village will make things safer.

Bank Bottom Engineering wants to create a turning area off Marsh Gardens.

But local residents and staff at nearby Honley Junior School have objected, saying the turning area would be too close to an entrance to the school.

However, the firm's managing director, Mr Dave Robins, said every effort was being made to get lorries off the roads safely.

"At the moment, the vehicles have to try to turn round in the road. We also have to unload them on the road, using a forklift truck.

"The new area would enable the drivers to turn round safely on our premises.

"There are a lot of vehicles which are parked in Marsh Gardens, be it shoppers or people at work.

"We also plan to create a parking area for our staff, which would take more vehicles off the roads," said Mr Robins.

"I am simply trying to make the place safer for everyone."

Protesters plan to hold a public meeting at 5.30pm today in St Mary's Parish Rooms to discuss the plan.