TRAFFIC worries around the proposed new Arnold Laver builders' merchants site in Guiseley have prompted residents to call for answers.

People living on Springfield Road say they have not been consulted over plans by the firm to move into a unit at Springhead Mills - and fear their quiet streets will become a busy route for customers' cars and delivery trucks.

Owner of Springhead Mills, Evans Property Group, of Leeds, is putting around £500,000 into the refurbishment of the mill as a business park. It plans to let units to a variety of businesses, including Arnold Laver.

Laver's - which currently occupies the former tram depot on Otley Road - are currently holding a 'moving out' sale, and plans to vacate the building shortly as work gets underway to convert it to a £2.5 million Cannons Health Club and apartments.

Lavers is about to submit a planning application and would like to move into Springhead Mills in May.

But concerned Springfield Road residents say because they have had no planning applications to respond to, and have been unable to register their concerns.

Resident Pat Irvine said: "Everybody is obviously very worried about this. This is a very nice residential area. We're quite distressed and concerned."

Mrs Irvine, who has lived on Springfield Road for nine years with husband, Chris, says residents came to an agreement with the previous occupants of the mills, over heavy goods vehicle traffic and parking on the narrow street.

Mrs Irvine she fears that if Lavers operates a retail and wholesale unit, residents could face a large increase trucks and cars driving past their doors each day.

Mr and Mrs Irvine said they do not oppose industrial use at the mills, but do not want a large and uncontrolled increase of traffic.

Another resident of Springfield Road, Alan Girvin, said he is not against Arnold Laver moving into Springhead Mills, but would like to see residents consulted about traffic and parking.

He said: "We haven't had any information. It would be very helpful. We'd like to know what's happening, because there are implications in terms of traffic and parking."

Ward councillor Mike Dunn (Lab, Aireborough) recently wrote to residents after Evans announced its plans for the Mills.

He said: "We're waiting for them to put in a planning application, and then we'll know what it is they're proposing."

Mark Rotheray of agent Knight Frank, which is acting on behalf of Evans, said efforts were being made to consult the community. He said Evans was aware of the traffic concerns.

Mr Rotheray said: "We are trying to liase with the community and put something back into Guiseley."

He said Evans had provided funding for Guiseley in Bloom's planting scheme on Springfield Road.

A spokeswoman for Arnold Laver said it will sell timber, sheeting and other goods from the unit at Springhead Mills.