NEIGHBOURS formed a human blockade to stop lorries using their road as a rat run.

They barricaded Debdale Lane, Gorton, for 45 minutes during the morning rush hour and turned back heavy goods vehicles as police looked on. Dozens of lorries cut through the road every day, say neighbours.

It is thought HGV drivers ignore signs warning them not to use the road because they are following their sat nav systems.

"We've had enough," said Rose Cusack, from Debdale and Woodland residents' association.

"This is really dangerous. The kids can't play out. The vibrations from the lorries are damaging the road and making our houses shake and we've had wing mirrors broken off our cars.

"We needed to do this to make our point and the police have been very supportive."

The residents' association want the council to narrow the road so lorries can't get through.

Gorton South councillor Simon Ashley, leader of the Liberal Democrats at Manchester council, joined the protest and said the campaign had his `full support'. He said: "The council have put signs up, but drivers are not listening.

"In the 45 minutes we were there about six heavy goods vehicles indicated to go down the road.

"When they saw us, they thought better of it, but we can't stand there all day.

"It needs to stop, so I hope that this protest will force the council to take action."

The council promised to look again at the problems in Debdale Lane.

Coun Chris Barber, head of highways services, said: "We will look into the residents' concerns regarding this issue."

The police said the protests had not caused major disruption. A spokesman said: "It was a peaceful protest by about 20 people."