A protest against the planned expansion of Kanes Foods went to Downing Street last week.

Members of the Littletons Residents' Action Group, which was formed last month to fight the proposals, handed in a letter at No 10 calling on Prime Minister Tony Blair to back their calls for a public inquiry.

They pointed out that Conservative MP Peter Luff had requested deputy prime minister John Prescott to call in the application although the Conservative-controlled Wychavon District Council approved the extension.

The controversial scheme for a six-acre extension to the huge food distribution and packing operation in Middle Littleton was accepted by the council in April, subject to approval by the Secretary of State.

LRAG secretary Clive Shotton said: "We had already written a detailed letter to John Prescott requesting him to call this application in and sent photographs showing the dangers posed by these huge lorries in our villages.

"Now we have asked the Prime Minister to move the matter forward.

"We held a small, peaceful demonstration in Downing Street before the letter was handed in at No 10."

At the time the planning application was considered, Kanes owner, Dr John Randall warned that delays could harm the business.

"The new salad building will not generate a lot more traffic, nevertheless, we will take further steps to contain HGV numbers," he said.