A couple who spent thousands on their dream home have moved out of the bedroom fearing a lorry will crash into the side of it.

Antony and Jane Ives say they never would have moved into their beloved cottage in Staplestreet Road in Dunkirk if they had known how their lives would be affected by lost HGVs trying to U-turn in the narrow streets.

But the couple, who moved there three years ago, say the problems are only getting worse and they often have to get up in the middle of the night to help the lorries reverse.

Antony, 57, said: “It regularly happens in the middle of night but if we didn’t go out there to help them, they would drive right into our bedroom.

“My wife is so scared she will not sleep in there any more so we have to move to the back bedroom.

“We love Dunkirk and we moved back here because we loved it so much. We always wanted to live here but we never envisaged this.

“The problem has never been this bad and it used to be a rarity that a lorry would get stuck round here, but it has just got worse and worse and is happening at least once a week.”

The huge vehicles not only get stuck, but wipe out kerb stones, pull up posts and destroy the side of the road.

When the A2 was closed a few months ago, Antony spoke to Kent County Council Highways about his concerns the lorries would end up in Staplestreet Road but was told very clearly not to worry.

“At 4am that very next day, we had a lorry come through our hedge,” said Antony.

“Even our MP Helen Whately has got involved to try to get the council to take action.

“There is particular kerb stones which will push the lorry back on to the road if they fall on them, and I have asked the question about money because I would not mind contributing if it would help, but the best result would be the lorries not coming up here at all.

“We need better signage. We don’t want to move.”

A Kent County Council spokesman said: “Unfortunately Staplestreet Road is often used by lorries when Brenley Corner is closed or if there is an issue on the surrounding roads.

“The police were recently called to a stuck lorry and we have since contacted Highways England with regards to the diversion they put in place.

“We are currently looking to relocate the ‘unsuitable for HGV’ signs and are working with the parish council to see if further work can be done.”