RESIDENTS were going into battle today in a bid to prevent even more HGVs being based on a huge industrial site opposite their homes.

They were giving evidence at a public inquiry into plans by two transport firms to keep an extra 26 lorries and 34 trailers at Eling Wharf, Totton.

Eldapoint Ltd and Abacus Logistics are two of the companies based at the 40-acre site.

People living at High Street, Totton, say HGVs are already being driven past their terraced homes at the rate of almost one a minute.

Eileen Lee, one of the residents who was appearing at the inquiry, said the huge vehicles were damaging the road.

She told the Daily Echo: "The noise they make when falling into ruts and holes has to be heard to be believed. The full ones sound like a clap of thunder and the empty ones are dreadful - especially at night.

"When the road floods the bow wave' created by lorries pushes the water up into the doors of all the properties facing the street."

Mrs Lee said the vehicles often started operating as early as 2.15am.

She added: "There's an almost constant procession for the rest of the night. We've all got double-glazing but the noise still penetrates.

"I've been here for 22 years and the lorry problem has never been as bad as it is now.

"Despite its name, the High Street is no longer the town's hub and hasn't been widened since the days of the horse and cart.

"During busier periods, HGVs constantly mount the pavement to pass each other. It's not only a hazard for pedestrians it's very annoying to have a vehicle just outside your window."

Representatives from the two applicants will also give evidence at the inquiry.

Paul Carr, managing director of Abacus, will tell the hearing: "We are a responsible operator and are concerned about the way we are thought of by the public.

"We do all we can to ensure the minimum impact on the environment by using modern vehicles that are driven carefully and conscientiously.

"All our vehicles need to pass along the High Street and do so slowly. All drivers are under strict instructions not to use their horn.

"We have never had any problems in passing other lorries coming from the other direction."

The one-day inquiry was taking place at the Chilworth Manor Hotel.