Lorry drivers are putting lives at risk by thundering through a village day and night at high speed, say residents.

Oad Street villager Peter Beswick said increasing numbers of huge open-topped dirt and grain lorries were using the narrow road through the village as a cut-through to and from the A249.

He said: "It is already very predominantly a rat-run, but we are now getting lorries passing through every four to five minutes from very early in the morning until very late at night."

The father-of-two, whose home fronts Oad Street, said there had been a marked increase in the number of HGVs using the road in recent weeks – with a high percentage of their drivers clearly visible talking on their mobile phones.

Mr Beswick said most of the lorries appeared to be travelling to and from a farm near Borden and Hengist Field where a new care home is being built.

He said: "It’s lethal for pedestrians. There is no footpath and you take your life in your hands when you go out on to the road. You wouldn’t let your children out there or take your dog for a walk.

"I guarantee there will be a hell of bang along here soon. It already looks like a Formula 1 track – there are skid marks everywhere."

Borden ward councillor Nick Hampshire, who looked into a similar problem in the area two years ago, said the road was covered by a 6ft 6in width-restriction traffic order which he believed was the responsibility of the police to enforce.

He said: "If they are using the road for access they can, but they shouldn’t if they are using it as a cut-through."

Cllr Hampshire said he would contact the village’s PCSO and Borden Parish Council with a view to investigating any breaches of the traffic order.

Sgt Dan Worthington said: "We need as much information as possible about when restrictions are being ignored so we can start catching those responsible."

Anyone with concerns can contact Sittingbourne Neighbourhood Team on 01795 419119.