Massive lorries measuring 54 feet in length are wreaking havoc in the historic Kent village of Goudhurst, where residents have complained of lorries destroying their medieval streets and Grade II-listed buildings.

The picturesque settlement, known for its scenic countryside location and traditional weavers' cottages, has seen its peaceful character destroyed by the constant rumble of 38-tonne trucks navigating roads designed centuries ago.

Local homeowners report severe structural damage to their heritage properties, with one resident's chimney stack left completely destroyed by lorry-induced vibrations.

The narrow A-roads through the village centre regularly become impassable when these enormous vehicles attempt to negotiate tight corners, particularly at the notorious bend adjacent to St Mary's church.

Sarah Power, who has resided in the village since 2021, describes the treacherous corner outside her home as "an accident waiting to happen".

The mother-of-two claimed that heavy goods vehicles regularly inflict damage on her property, with her chimney stack recently shattering solely from lorry vibrations.

"These accidents have the potential to kill a pedestrian," she said.

"Whenever a lorry gets stuck, it closes the thoroughfare for hours."

While trucks have been causing havoc in the town, the Tour de France rode through the village in 2007

Mrs Power revealed that her Grade II-listed home suffers damage approximately every three to four weeks, with tiles broken, brickwork ruined, and vehicle side windows smashed.

"They come crashing down, 38-tonne lorries, over the pavement every day," she detailed.

The chaos extends beyond property damage, with emergency vehicles frequently trapped behind gridlocked lorries, raising serious concerns about response times for medical emergencies.

Local schools face daily dangers as children navigate pavements alongside these massive vehicles, which often exceed the 30mph speed limit through residential areas.

The problem has united communities across the region, with residents from Cranbrook, Sissinghurst and Biddenden joining Goudhurst to establish the A262 Traffic Action Group.

Helen Sampson, a group member and eight-year resident, warns that frustrated drivers create dangerous "rat runs" through smaller villages to avoid congestion.

"We have primary schools on the busy road as well," she said.

"It's 30mph, but most people are going significantly faster than that."

The tight roads of Goudhurst

Kent County Council acknowledged the HGV concerns but cites legal constraints preventing immediate action, explaining that vehicles have unrestricted access to public highways unless specific Traffic Regulation Orders are implemented.

A council spokesman stated: "We are aware of concerns regarding HGV traffic on the A262 through villages such as Goudhurst."

Officials warn that imposing weight restrictions could force lorries onto even more unsuitable routes, including narrower roads near Bedgebury Park and highways crossing county boundaries.

Despite installing warning signs declaring the route "unsuitable" for lengthy vehicles, campaigners argue the signage is ineffective and overly complex.

Council representatives who visited the village expressed shock at the conditions but have yet to deliver concrete solutions, leaving residents frustrated after 35 years of campaigning.