Burnham warned lorries near Astley schoolchildren posed safety risks

Andy Burnham warned that lorries serving a large warehouse in Astley could put schoolchildren at risk, telling a public inquiry there was no safe crossing and that pavements were narrow or absent. The inquiry is considering whether to let logistics company Whistl increase the number of heavy goods vehicles at the site; its decision could influence challenges to similar developments elsewhere in Britain.

In a letter sent shortly before Burnham became prime minister, he raised concerns about the route used by lorries near the primary school. Whistl is seeking to increase its HGV fleet from 40 to 50 and trailers from 60 to 70. Residents described overnight noise, health effects and falling property values; one said he counted 113 wagons in seven hours. The inquiry is expected to report in early December.