A NEWPORT street is dangerous to use because of the amount - and size - of vehicles using it, claim residents.

People living in and around Mendalgief Road, Pill, want to see it closed at its junction with Docks Way.

And they say plans to introduce traffic-calming measures in the area, including a 20mph speed limit, are not enough.

Glyn Picton, of Baldwin Street, off Mendalgief Road, said: "The traffic has got to be stopped; calming it isn't the answer.

"All the traffic coming down this road turns right into Docks Way. Until they close that, the traffic can do what it likes.

"When Woolworths opens down here it will get worse and once we get the SDR (Southern Distri-butor Road), as soon as there are any hold-ups the traffic coming down here will be phenomenal."

Claude Medlicott, who lives in Mendalgief Road, added: "I've got cracked walls in my house and the road is sinking because of the traffic."

And Ken Chambers, of Marion Street, said the size of the vehicles going past was "ridiculous".

Residents said another problem was the lack of a pelican crossing, making it difficult for people - especially the elderly and women with pushchairs - to cross the road.

And they said they were afraid to look out of their window when children were playing in the park right next to the road.

There is a seven and a half tonne weight limit on the road, but residents claim lorries which are much heavier use it regularly.

Mr Picton said: "These people here have never been given the opportunity to put forward their ideas or solutions.

"The answer is to close the end of Docks Way."

A spokeswoman for Newport council said: "There are no plans to close Mendalgief Road, but we are looking at introducing traffic calming measures for the area, including a 20mph speed limit zone, details of which will be advertised from next week."