Residents in Mirfield are on the warpath over a proposal to turn an empty video shop in to a hot-food takeaway.

They are strongly opposed to the change of use for the premises on a parade of shops in Old Bank Road. The applicant is a businessman from Huddersfield.

They say there are already enough takeaways in the road and are worried about smells, late-night noise, litter and traffic hazards.

Resident Ralph Hopkin, of Old Bank Road, who has started a petition, said: "We've already got two fish and chip shops, a Chinese, Italian and Indian takeaway close by.

"Another takeaway will only lead to people congregating outside at night and causing a nuisance to local residents.''

His wife Dorothy said: "I would like to see the shop turned into a washeteria because it would be of more benefit to the community, particularly as there are a lot of elderly people round here.''

Neighbour Jessie Fisher, 78, said: "My house is directly opposite and I don't want to put up with the smells, noise and rubbish. We already have a problem with litter being dumped in our gardens. A takeaway will benefit younger people. There ought to be more facilities for the elderly.''

Another neighbour Pauline Watson, who has lived in Old Bank Road for 17 years, said: "My main concern is the traffic dangers. The shop is near a dangerous bend and drivers often reverse out into the road from the parade.

"A takeaway will only add to the traffic problems. Some drivers already park outside our homes.

"The other point is that the Co-op next door shuts at 8pm but with a takeaway we will have continuous business late into the night seven days a week.''

Councillor Colin Fretwell (Con, Mirfield) said he had received more than 20 phone calls from irate residents about the proposed takeaway.

Coun Fretwell, fellow councillor Martyn Bolt (Con, Mirfield) and Mirfield town councillor Ian Harrison have distributed one hundred letters to residents telling them how to object.

Coun Fretwell said: "The council notices on lamp-posts informing people about the planning application have been torn down so people don't know where to send their objections.

"I have also asked that the application goes before the Heavy Woollen area planning sub committee next month unless planning officers are mindful to refuse the application.''

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.