'Our way of life will be ruined!' - Essington residents' anger over firm's £36m development

Villagers say it will affect their quality of life. DX Freight wants to put a distribution centre on 43 acres in Hobnock Road.

More than 100 villagers attended a packed public meeting at Essington Community Centre to discuss the scheme.

They are worried about the increase in traffic to the site, where around 600 people will work, and that it will lead to a 'significant drop' in the quality of life for residents.

Patrick Mann, who lives on High Hill, near to Hobnock Road, said: "I have experience of working for this company, I know the ins and outs of how it operates.

"Let me tell you all, this is something to be feared. They will bring vehicles from all over the country here, more than 200 lorries a night will be going back and forth on our roads.

"This type of business never stops, workers will be in there 24/7 and you will be able to see the lights from inside the building for at least two miles.

"I want to address everyone here and ask that we all do everything we can to stop it."

The proposals from DX involve building a head office, distribution space and ancillary buildings on Hobnock Road, making the site its West Midlands base, moving staff currently working at two sites run by the company in Willenhall.

South Staffordshire Council has identified the site as employment land but it also sits in the green belt and has been vacant for more than 30 years.

Kevin Fuller, aged 63, of Bursnips Road, said: "There is no place in the village for something like this at all. People deserve a good quality of life, that is the bottom line. This will take that from us."

During the meeting, organised by Essington Parish Council and led by Councillor David Clifft, residents decided to send leaflets to every home in the area, informing them of the proposals.

They will also make signs to put up by the site to make their feelings known.

Concerns about road safety and the potential for accidents caused by lorries and the cars of members of staff were also raised.

• A second meeting will take place at the community centre on September 17, with representatives from DX Freight expected to attend. Bosses at the firm were unavailable for comment.