VIBRATION from lorries is damaging listed buildings in a Dorset village, according to residents.

Independent Longham councillor Paul Graham said residents have been complaining that heavy goods vehicles rumbling past their homes in Longham are keeping them awake and causing cracks to appear in walls and ceilings.

Cllr Graham said Ferndown Town Council had been seeking to reduce the speed limit on that stretch of the A348 Ringwood Road to 30mph, but had been blocked by the county and district councils.

"Dorset County Council seem to just sweep it under the carpet," he said.

"I am concerned for the safety of my residents and the damage it is doing to their properties.

"The county council must listen to the residents of Longham, quickly decide on an appropriate weight restriction to the Grade II listed bridge, drop the speed limit along Ringwood Road from 40mph to 30mph, and/or put a speed camera along the section of road near the Kings Arms pub."

Ringwood Road resident Mandy Willis, 49, said: "They come out of the port at 4am and basically go bombing past pretty much most of the day.

"Our wood burner shakes, the doors shake, the beds shake and wake you up in the early hours.

"A lot of buildings have cracks in the plaster all around the house. It is a very depressing issue.

"Most residents along here have the same problems and we have organised a neighbours' group."

She said the lorries were also "incredibly" dangerous to pedestrians in Ringwood Road, and were so large they often stopped traffic crossing Longham Bridge on the other side of the road.

"All the residents want the speed limit reduced," she added. "The town and district councils want the speed limit reduced. Why is the county against it?"

Mike Westwood, community highways manager for Dorset County Council, said: "The county council is aware of the concerns caused by the number of heavy goods vehicles using the A348 at Longham Bridge.

"We are working with Bournemouth and Poole councils to explore ways to improve the situation. Our aim is to come up with a holistic local traffic plan, because changes to one route will have an impact on others in the area.

"Part of the considerations will be whether the speed limit could be lowered to 30mph."