Signs have just gone at the old Prestolite site on Cleveland Road with details of the demolition in advance of building work starting on 116 apartments by developers Bellway.

However Leyland councillor Linda Williams fears traffic chaos could result if changes aren't made to the road layout of the area.

She has sent a letter to the developers to consider making Cleveland Road a one-way street, with the exit being along Egerton Road.

The matter was raised at a recent meeting of the Leyland East area committee and Coun Williams said: "Cleveland Road is the main access to the site but it is a very narrow road.

"There are two rows of terraced houses lining the streets and cars have to park along it. This makes it difficult for cars to come both ways so I was suggesting to the developers that the next road was opened up to make one road in and one road out.

"Congestion is going to be a big problem and I am not saying this is the solution but we should be considering our options now as there is no point in developing the site and then regretting it afterwards."

Resident Kenneth Finch, 84, has lived in the area most of his life and said: "With 116 properties being built on the site there will be an increase in traffic but it was a problem when the factory was there as lorries couldn't get near because cars were parked three abreast.

"It is difficult to see a solution but parking could be an even bigger problem in the future."

Paul Darwin, 21, of Cleveland Road said: "I would not be in favour of making Cleveland Road a one-way street as I have a business but I agree that with lorries now coming down the road it will get busier.

"It is difficult as it is to try to get out on to Golden Hill Lane but to make it one entrance and one exit would make it a bigger problem."
But the residents are relieved that work is set to start on the building which has been a target for youths and vandals.

Mr Darwin said: "Since the factory has been closed down youths have been gathering in the site and both of my cars were damaged by stones being thrown at the security guards cabin. We told the police about it and it will be better when it is demolished."

A spokesman for the developers said: "Bellway does not own this site but retains an option to develop the site. Having undertaken a consultation exercise with local residents and following discussions with the local authority, we are currently preparing a detailed plan that will be submitted to the local authority for consideration in May."