Concerned residents fear unpleasant smells, early morning noise and rats could plague them after a scrap metal firm took over a disused site near their Trowbridge homes.

Scrap metal merchants EJ Shanley have moved their lorries onto the former Pipeline Centre site at the rear of the disused Bowyers transportation depot, off Shail’s Lane.

Company bosses say they are only using the site to store empty bins, but the announcement has done little to reassure neighbouring residents, who have signed a petition against the idea.

Westcroft Street resident John Stevens, who led the petition, said: “We already started complaining about the noise coming from the site with lorries coming up and down as early as 6am. When we have asked what the site is going to be used for everyone has kept us in the dark like mushrooms.

“The council is saying we need to build more houses but what have we ended up with? We would sooner have houses on this site rather than a metal yard.”

Roy Gane, who has lived in Westcroft Street for 45 years, said: “The area had been designated for housing but now that is not the case we are concerned there will be noise, dust and rats, not to mention unpleasant smells.”

Mike Davies, who has lived in Francis Street since 1978, said: “Two mornings on the trot they had been down there from six. I hope they realise we have got older people and people with young kids living around here and the last thing they need is to be woken up at that time. I complained about it and have been asked to keep a log of when it happens. With my work I tend not to be here at that time but it is other people I am concerned about.”

Jason Day, Wiltshire Council’s minerals and waste development team leader, said: “The site will be inspected and other information sought to find out the facts. If a breach is identified the person responsible will be told what is wrong and what action is required.”

Wiltshire Council told residents it will keep them up to date on developments with their investigation.

Paul Shanley, the son of family firm’s founder Terry Shanley, confirmed the company had bought the land three months ago and were clearing the site ahead of a planning application to erect a new building. He said: “We have extended the storage facility for our empty bins. There will be no containers with waste or metal kept there.”

In response to residents’ claims of lorries using the site as early as 6am, Mr Shanley added: “We have been levelling out the site to get it ready for use but not at 6am. Our operating hours will be five days a week from 7am until 5pm, and Saturday mornings.

“I hope this puts the residents’ minds to rest. We are just trying to run a business in difficult times.”