Opponents of a Dorcan firm's expansion plans have vowed to stage a blockade if it goes ahead without consultation.

David Simpkins, 33, of Saltzgitter Drive and several of his neighbours believe Bookham Technology should not go ahead with its application to build a new site in St Andrew's Ridge, Abbey Meads.

They have threatened a peaceful protest if no-one listens to their objections, which could include standing in the road to cause inconvenience to those trying to enter and leave the proposed site.

Mr Simpkins only discovered the company's plan on Monday and since then he has delivered more than 600 leaflets to surrounding homes, informing them about the company's proposals.

The components firm would like to open a new manufacturing, research, development and office base.

It currently employs 200 people in Faraday Park and a further 850 in Abingdon.

Around 15 opponents of the plan have met to express their disgust. The opposition group is called STARRAB (St Andrews Ridge Residents Against Bookham).

Mr Simpkins said: "I am not trying to stir things up. I just think people should be aware of what will be built on their doorstep."

The father of two said he had already received more than 40 telephone calls since delivering his leaflets.

"We all knew the area was earmarked for light industrial use but this is something totally different," he said.

The residents are also concerned about the extra traffic. Mr Simpkins fears Saltzgitter Drive will become clogged with cars and lorries, 24 hours a day.

He said: "What we would like to propose is a revised entrance for both cars and lorries and other aspects of safety and consideration for residents where lighting, noise and pollution levels are concerned."

The residents are demanding a service road at the back of the proposed building.

They also believe a meeting with their potential new neighbour is the very least they deserve.

"We don't want the road coming up as far as Bookham intend. We would blockade the road if it comes to it that's how strongly we feel," he said.

A petition is planned and the protesters will also be out in force on Monday for a meeting with parish councillors at Blunsdon Village Hall, at 7.30pm.

A spokesman for Book-ham Technology said: "We are more than happy to consult with representatives of the local community and will be actively engaging with them in the near future to resolve some of these issues."