RUMOURS that a 24-hour freight business could be established in Cross Hills have angered residents, concerned about traffic congestion and noise.

Local firm Joda Freight has expressed an interest in a site on the Crossings industrial park near Kildwick roundabout, which parish councillors fear could house a continental lorry park.

Plans for the site, which include an extension of the industrial park onto land where Windles abattoir used to stand, have been submitted to Craven District Council by the developers, Skipton Properties.

At a recent meeting, chairman of Glusburn Parish Council Gill Birks said she had received letters from residents concerned that lorries would come through the village, day and night.

"There are enough lorries going through the village now, without coming right through the night," she said.

Coun Alan Butterfield pointed out that access onto the bypass was an issue.The entrance to the park was via a mini-roundabout which was often congested at peak times due to the nearby level crossing.

Coun Butterfield said: "There is already a problem at the level crossing and this will just exacerbate the problem."

Speaking at the meeting, Glusburn resident Madeleine Beaufoy said: "This makes a complete mockery of the designation of that area as an area of landscaped value.

"This plan asks for an extension for the actual area of development. Should it go through we are going to be in the presence of an enormous industrial development.

"The application is completely arrogant. It suggests that they be allowed to make this development without restrictions. They should look to place this elsewhere into a much higher industrial area."

David Wareing, director of Joda Freight, said that it was too early to comment on the plans, and Craven's planning officer Duncan Hartley said the proposal was unlikely to be discussed at the next planning meeting.

Campaigners against the Crossings development have become increasingly despondent as time after time their objections have been overruled by the planning committee.

Keith Midgley, chairman of Kildwick Parish Council, has been at the forefront of the objectors. He says the site was designated for a high quality development on a landscaped park which would bring businesses into the area.

The parish council has taken its case to the ombudsman, claiming that the district council was acting illegally when it approved plans for the Walter Brigg garage. However its application was rejected.

Mr Midgley said: "It is not the plans themselves that bother me, it's the fact that promises were made and minuted and completely overturned.

"We don't seem to be able to get redress from anyone. The planning applications are coming in now thick and fast. There just seems no point in doing anything at all.

"The volume of traffic going through there will be enormous. You only have to go down there at five in the evening or nine in the morning and it's chock-a-block. We are all feeling very frustrated and somewhat cynical."