MOVES to create a giant rail freight depot at Eastleigh have been slammed by town centre residents.

Proposals for a container depot on railway sidings next to Southampton Airport have been criticised by people living in nearby Campbell Road who already suffer from severe traffic problems.

Locals fear the depot could see an additional 300 lorry movements a day through the town and add to the high pollution levels.

This has brought more safety fears for the bridge over the railway line at the junction of Campbell Road and Southampton Road, which is the only access route to the possible site of the depot.

Campbell Road resident Tanya Wallis branded the plans a disgrace.

"Lorries already have enough trouble getting over the bridge and have even got stuck coming around the corner," she said,

"I don't have a car but even walking is dangerous because the footpath runs out."

Fellow Campbell Road resident John Gambling said the bridge couldn't handle any more traffic.

"It's bad enough as it is and the only way they would be able to get that much traffic around here is by moving all the residents out."

Bill Stead, 76, of Campbell Road, said the move could bring protest by some residents.

"With the bridge being the way it is, it would be a great danger, especially for those living in houses nearer the site."

The plans could see freight containers being brought to Eastleigh from docks in Southampton and then transported by rail.

A spokesman for freight company EWS (English Welsh and Scottish Railway Ltd), said: "Initial discussions have been held with Eastleigh Borough Council into the possibility of a new facility at Eastleigh, who are in principal supportive of the idea, as it would bring more jobs to the area and assist in the efficient movement of freight by rail."

A council spokesman said full details of the project are still to be developed by EWS, but added that the authority is concerned about additional lorry movements.

The news comes as councillors are debating plans to ban lorries from the town centre during the rush hour to help cut pollution.