FED up residents in an East Lancashire village claim their lives are being made a misery by over-development and heavy traffic.

People living in the shadow of the Magnum warehouse in Blackamoor Road, Guide, said they are being swamped and claim they now live in the middle of a huge industrial estate.

The building, which was once part of the Walkersteel empire, is set to be refurbished with a series of loading bays for wagons. Changes to the road access are also due to be made.

Neighbours now plan to ask Blackburn MP Jack Straw to back their case.

The 500,000sq ft building has been targeted by international property consultants King Sturge. Project manager David Brooks said: "We will be doing some re-cladding work and, depending on the occupiers, installing a significant number of dock level loading bays, depending on what is required."

But Tracy Dumon fears the work will lead to an increase of traffic and 24-hour disruption. The 34-year-old mother lives near the warehouse and said: "The traffic level on the road is horrendous. How much more this road can take? When we bought the house we knew the road was busy at times, but it's going to be constant now."

Pensioners Harry and June Roberts, who also live in Blackamoor Road, are concerned too. Harry, 76, said: "We're worried we won't be able to sit in our gardens during the day because there will be constant noise from lorries."

June added: "We know Blackburn needs jobs, but this road can't take any more traffic." Bob Mercer, 66, whose house is yards from the Magnum site, said: "We can't do anything.

"There will be 24-wheel articulated lorries going in and out of there 24 hours a day."

The neighbours feel Guide is being taken over by industrial development. Shadsworth Industrial Park at the top of Blackamoor Road has recently expanded and a JJB Soccerdome is also being built nearby. The M65 extension, which has an exit close to Blackamoor Road, was also blamed for an increase in the number of vehicles passing houses. They claim extra development is having a detrimental affect on their homes and health.

Blackburn MP Jack Straw is due to hold an advice surgery in the area later this week, which residents plan to attend. They have also written letter to Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning department protesting against an application for the work which was recently submitted.