HOMEOWNERS faced with a giant distribution depot on their doorstep say pollution levels will soar.

The people who live off Yarnton Way, Thamesmead, are demanding a full environmental impact assessment of the scheme before planning permission is given.

German supermarket company Lidl has leased a 20-acre chunk of land behind Thamesmead Community College and wants to build a regional distribution depot.

Local people say the depot could bring up to 1,600 lorry movements per day.

Add to that the potential for a waste incinerator up the road in Belvedere and the possibility of another Thames crossing at Gallions Reach -- and they say the air quality in the area could plummet.

At a public meeting called by Saints Residents Association last week, people said a proper assessment was vital.

People claim the proposal will seriously damage the ecology of the area and increase the dangers for users of Yarnton Way -- the scene of three recent road deaths.

They also claim noise pollution and rat running will increase if the plan gets the go-ahead.

Lidl's plans include a warehouse more than 50ft high and 900ft long and a recycling plant.

The depot would be open 365 days a year and be in use by more than 200 lorries 24 hours a day.

It would, however, create 200 new jobs.

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