AN action group has been set up in a desperate bid to stop lorries driving through Otley.

About 100 people squeezed into a public meeting in Newall Church Hall on Tuesday determined to stop lorries travelling along Newall Carr Road and through the town centre.

Brian Finlay, of Newall Carr Road, who called the meeting, said: "We need to put children, disabled people and cyclists first. The speed at which the lorries travel is absolutely unbelievable.

"Four weeks ago I was passing the hospital when a lorry forced two ambulances off the road and on to the pavement and I don't even think the driver had noticed.

"We need a total ban of lorries in Otley. We can't sit down and let this continue we have to stand up and fight."

The campaign against lorries has grown since the death of avid community activist Joan Babb and a minutes silence was held in her memory.

The 81-year-old was knocked down by a wagon last month as she crossed Boroughgate.

Mrs Babb's daughter, Jackie Francis said: "My mum was killed by a lorry and I want to see all of them banned from Otley totally.

"The reason my mum was hit is because the man in the lorry would not have seen her, because they are too high up, if it had been a car she would still be here.

"I want a total lorry ban in the town centre so other families do not have to suffer as we have."

The speed of the lorries was the major concern and solutions ranged from banning them, putting a weight restriction on the bridge, creating a bypass and getting a rail link to the town so goods could be transported by trains instead.

Meeting chairman, Coun Phil Coyne (Lab, Ashfield) said: "Lorries come through the town at considerable speed. The speed horrifies me and I am concerned for pedestrians and parents with children.

"I have seen them driving and talking on their mobile phones. We want a ban on HGVs with the exception of deliveries to businesses in Otley."

Another public meeting will be held in two months and the action group will meet in the meantime. Meanwhile, people can send their views about HGVs to Dave Gilson, Deputy Highways and Transportation, Sector Post 6, Ring Road, Middleton, Leeds, LS10 4AX.