RESIDENTS of narrow Dockroyd Lane in Oakworth are calling for action to stop large vehicles using their road as an alternative route.

Several walls and parked vehicles have been damaged in recent months following the closure of nearby Station Road to through traffic.

Vehicles travelling between Cross Roads and Oakworth are being diverted through Haworth while roadworks are carried out in Station Road.

But many drivers, including those of lorries and vans, are either ignoring diversion signs or not noticing them as they try to cross the Worth Valley. Some are following satnav directions.

One Dockroyd Lane resident, former Keighley town mayor Graham Mitchell, has written to district councillors demanding action.

He said there had been physical damage to the property of elderly pensioners, and his own front wall was last week hit by a large vehicle.

He said: “Residents have been extremely patient over three months now, with physical damage to properties, we are angry and frustrated.

“The ‘Road Closed’ and ‘Diversion’ and ‘Unsuitable for HGVs’ signage provided by Bradford Council are totally inadequate.

“Will Highways provide a range of clear, meaningful signage to turn through traffic and over-large vehicles away from Dockroyd Lane?”

Mr Mitchell said a major problem was a lack of warning signs signs at the Cross Roads side of the valley, at the top of Vale Mill Lane.

He suggested “interfering locals” had removed some signs.

Cllr Rebecca Poulsen, who represents Worth Valley ward on Bradford Council, urged drivers to use the official diversion along Providence Lane and Mytholmes Lane instead of Dockroyd Lane.

She added: “Dockroyd Lane is very narrow and some walls and vehicles have already been damaged. It is not suitable for large vehicles and signs are up saying this.

“Someone has been removing the road closure signs from Vale Mill Lane and councillors have urgently asked for new signs to be put up.”

Dockroyd Lane already suffers traffic problems when parents drop off and pick up from adjoining Oakworth Primary School.

Bradford Council has been approached for a comment.