LORRIES are causing havoc by getting stuck in a residential street close to an industrial estate, according to residents.

They claim drivers mistakenly believe they can get to Staffa Road through streets including Burwell Road and Overton Road in order to enter the Argall industrial Estate in Leyton.

Lorries then get into trouble when they discover their route blocked and attempt to reverse out of the narrow streets.

Householders claim there is a serious risk of someone getting hurt as lorries mount the pavement and parked cars are often damaged. Harold Webb, 84, of Overton Road, said he and his wife have suffered eight years of disruption that has turned living in his home of 42 years into a nightmare.

He said: "Lorries get stuck almost every day and it goes on until 10pm.

"This is a real hazard and the stress it has caused cannot be good for someone of my age.

"I've recently had to replace my driveway because of the damage caused and every time another juggernaut comes along I have to go out there and wave my hands around to protect my property.

"There were some signs up but no-one took any notice. They have been removed now anyway. The only answer is to limit the width of the road."

"I have been trying for years to get the council to do something but I have been ignored."

Gillian Muir, who lives in Burwell Road, said: "This is a residential area but we feel we are living on an industrial estate. People are very angry and want something done now.

"There are elderly and disabled people who genuinely fear for their lives."

Lea Bridge Ward Cllr Masood Ahmad has raised residents' concerns with council officers.

Waltham Forest Council's cabinet member for environment, Cllr Bob Belam, said: "I understand residents' concerns regarding goods vehicles using residential roads and we take their concerns extremely seriously.

"The signs in question were stolen and the council is in the process of replacing them as a matter of urgency to address this situations as soon as possible."