North Queensferry residents have set up a protest group warning of the dangers to their village if the Forth Bridge gains world heritage status.
Villagers have set up the campaign group Hands off North Queensferry (HONQ) to protect it against unwanted developments.
Members, who have labelled their fight David against Goliath, are concerned about the impact a large influx of tourists will have on their homes.
The Victorian bridge, which will celebrate its 125th anniversary next year, would join a map of some of the world’s most revered and historic sites if it gains world heritage status next year.
HONQ founder member Peter Dean said: “HONQ has been formed to combat the threat to North Queensferry from a huge coalition of business and Government interests led by Network Rail and the Forth Bridges Forum.
“The essence of the problem is a plan to open up the village to thousands of new visitors in the wake of the Forth railway bridge gaining Unesco World Heritage Status.”
The outcome of the Forth Bridges Forum submission to Unesco is expected next summer.
If the bridge is successful, proposals have been mooted for a visitor centre and lift on the Forth Bridge on land at North Queensferry.
This will take visitors to the top of the northern cantilever to take in the view.
Mr Dean said: “This may be good for visitors but it is very bad for North Queensferry. It is a proposal which pits Goliath against David.
“North Queensferry is very small, with a population of about 2,000, has insufficient parking spaces and very poor road access.
“It is not equipped, and never could be, to welcome 200,000 rubberneckers a year with time on their hands. It already has a major tourist attraction. Thousands of visitors already come mostly in summer to visit Deep Sea World.
“The village can just about cope with them but occasionally traffic jams occur. North Queensferry has no space to site a new car park close to the new attraction.
“The village is served by only two access roads, one of which is tricky.”
A Forth Bridge world heritage economic benefit working group has been set up to identify any potential impact on the community and possible solutions in the wake of a successful bid.
Mr Dean added: “Villagers have serious questions. Is world heritage status just a gateway for bums on seats and a quick buck?
“If this is what Unesco world heritage status means for our village, members of HONQ don’t like it.”