Villagers fear ancient roads and bridges will crumble when lorries begin hauling grain from a new barn.

The Vale of White Horse District Council approved plans for a store able to hold 1,700 tonnes of grain in West Hanney, last month.

But residents in East and West Hanney have voiced concerns about the area's roads.

Kay Sayers, chairman of West Hanney Parish Council, said: "Most of the roads through the Hanneys are very narrow or twisting, without lighting and in places without pavements.

"Some of the roads are so narrow that is is not possible for two private cars to pass easily. In fact, HGVs and tractors virtually fill the carriageway.

"The roads themselves are in a poor state of repair and edges crumbling. More HGVs will worsen their condition."

John Hedderley, of East Hanney Parish Council, said: "There is a bridge at Dandridges Mill, which is narrow, with a sharp bend, and the parapet has been damaged by big vehicles reversing into it."

He said the stone parapet on the bridge had been replaced several times after large vehicles had been forced to reverse.

Worried parishioners in the neighbouring village of Charney Bassett feared lorries could be rerouted past their homes, if the route through the Hanneys proved problematic.

Peter Davies, the parish clerk, said: "Charney Bassett Parish Council wishes to be consulted over the negotiations of the routing agreement, to ensure its concerns at the environmental damage, which a significant increase in HGV traffic would cause to the village and its bridges, are addressed."

Henry Venners, of JPPC planning consultants, said about 57 lorries a year would transport grain from the purpose-built storage facility at Priors Court Farm on the outskirts of the village.

Each lorry would weigh about 30 tonnes when full and probably travel from the barn in Denchworth Road through East and West Hanney to reach the A338, he said.

Collections would take place throughout the year, but the timings would depend on grain prices and market demand.

A spokesman for Oxfordshire County Council said: "Agricultural work has to be carried out and large vehicles have to access farm buildings."