About 200 residents last night protested against attempts by a waste company to increase the number of its vehicles using Bradford roads.

Omega Proteins, part of recycling enterprise the Leo Group, is appealing against Bradford Council’s refusal to allow it to double the number of lorries allowed in and out of its depot in Half Acre Road, Denholme.

Residents from Thornton, Queensbury and Denholme gathered outside Keelham Primary School in Well Heads – one of the roads used by the lorries – for the demonstration.

Graham Fawthrop, of Thornton, who is leading the ‘Smelly Wagons’ campaign, said: “We want to send the message to the inspector dealing with the application that he needs to take into account the wider community which includes Thornton, Halifax, Queensbury and Denholme.

“The strength of support shows the depth of feeling on this issue.”

John and Nicola Williams, of Denholme Gate, said they feared an increase in the number of vehicles would make the roads outside the Keelham School, where their two children are pupils, more hazardous.

The company, which also operates from a site in Swalesmoor, near Queensbury, is seeking to increase the number of vehicles allowed to 60 a day and also to extend its operating hours.