DISGRUNTLED residents in a Falmouth street are demanding action following claims that they have been verbally abused by lorry drivers.

The group also alleges that lorries delivering granite to Falmouth Wharves are using North Parade "as a racetrack" and are causing ongoing traffic disruption.

In a letter to the Packet, the 20-strong group claims: "Vehicles and property have been damaged by the lorries, the drivers of which do not stop to comply with their legal obligation to report such accidents.

"They just drive away leaving innocent victims to pick up the bill for their inconsiderate and illegal behaviour. At least two cars have been written off by these lorries this year."

Residents say that police have received numerous complaints, who said said that the claims cannot be substantiated because of a lack of evidence.

The letter adds: "Drivers of these lorries have been verbally abusive to other road users, who fail to allow them to pass without hindrance despite them having no right of way.

"Once free of any congestion, the drivers use the road as a racetrack. Frequently their speeds are well in excess of 40mph - presumably in an effort to make up the time they have lost snarled up in the traffic jams they have caused.

The letter concludes: "Lorry drivers were once known as the 'knights of the road'. It would appear Falmouth has been left with the hoodlums of the road."

A statement issued by Pellows, to which the lorries belong, said: "As a delivery company we are very proud to have won the contract to deliver Cornish granite rock armour to Falmouth Wharves from where it is shipped around the coastline to wherever it is needed. We deliver the rock armour within strictly agreed times and within working hours.

"Access to the Wharves is via North Parade in Falmouth which is a bus route, a delivery route and a busy commuter route. It is also a residential road with cars parked along the entire length into town.

"Our drivers are highly trained not just as experts in charge of large vehicles, but to be courteous to other road users. If anyone has an issue with any of our drivers we would want to know about it and welcome people contacting our offices in Truro. Most often people compliment our drivers and their driving.

"The only damage to any parked car on North Parade that we are aware of was immediately dealt with by our insurers.

"It would be fair to say that one of our lorries was targeted this summer by a gentleman who aimed a garden hose through the open cab window and drenched our driver and his son. Obviously this was extremely dangerous and if such a thing happened again we would have to take further action."

The residents are also concerned that there are plans by marine company Keynvor MorLift to expand their business at Falmouth Wharves, which could have a further impact on traffic movements in North Parade.

A spokesman for KML said: “We’re a vibrant local marine company operating all over the UK and Northern Europe from our base at Falmouth Wharves.

"We’re delighted to be exporting Falmouth granite by sea - a traditional stone which has been shipped from the Penryn river for centuries. Using Cornish granite, we compete internationally, providing many jobs on our vessels and projects out of Falmouth, and spending millions of pounds in the regional supply chain.

"We value our place in the community, and good relations with our neighbours are very important to us. We operate considerately and often liaise directly with our neighbours to keep them updated on our operations. Commercial wharves, shipping and marine operations have always been the beating heart of Falmouth, and we’re a modern part of a long and proud Cornish tradition.”

The residents' group has raised its concerns with Truro and Falmouth MP Sarah Newton, who plans to hold a meeting with all key stakeholders in the coming weeks.