PROTESTERS are threatening to form a human blockade in a bid to stop lorries using their road as a rat run.

They claim the continual stream of juggernauts is causing damage to their houses and cars.

But their main fear is that it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt.

Jenny Millin, spokeswoman for the Bramble Road and Elgin Drive Residents' Association, in Gorse Hill, said: "If we continue to be ignored we are all prepared to stand out there and confront the lorries ourselves.

"It is ridiculous. Up to 30 large vehicles every hour use our little road to get to Techno Industrial Estate. They swing round the sharp corner at such speed it's very dangerous.

"I've seen a child nearly killed when one lorry underestimated the severity of the bend and swerved towards the pavement."

Mrs Millin, who works for Kennet District Council, added: "Road features have been installed around Swindon that weren't even necessary, such as speed humps in Covingham.

"All we want is two bollards at the end of the road so the lorries will have to go down Kembrey Road, which is the correct route.

"There should be better signposting for the lorries. It has also become a habit for them to use our road."

Bramble Road consists of 12 houses, set about eight feet from the road.

Mrs Millin blames this proximity, as well as the sheer weight and volume of traffic, for deterioration to her house.

"The pebbledash cladding on the house fronts tends to split because the properties shake when lorries pass by," she said.

"Ornaments are always rattling inside, and car wing mirrors are habitually broken off.

"The fumes are terrible for the environment too. We have to wash the car everyday to remove the dirt from the emissions."

The residents' fight began last May when they handed a petition in to the council. They met with environmental health and road safety officers at Premier House last month.

Mrs Millin, who is in her 40s, added: "We are waiting to hear. It better be sooner rather than later, before someone's killed on the road."

Mike Bawden, leader of Swindon Borough Council, said he would meet the Bramble Road residents.

Coun Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawn) added: "I will ask the council officers to get me up to speed on the situation and then I'd be happy to discuss it with Mrs Millin and her neighbours."