Work will start this summer on a new £500,000 greenway for walkers and cyclists linking Shipley and Bradford - providing plans get the go ahead.

It is hoped the new route will encourage people to enjoy their surroundings away from congested main roads and travel by bike or on foot.

A planning application has been lodged by Sustrans, the sustainable travel charity, for the path which would also be used by horseriders in some places.

Sustrans engineer Claire Wright said the path will also link to the new urban village planned at Bolton Woods.

She said the plans had been talked about for 10 years, but once approved, work would start straight away.

The charity has been working with Bradford Council on the idea, which will be funded by Department of Transport cash.

The 1.5 mile route, which starts near the station entrance off Leeds Road, Shipley, to the Canal Road and Stanley Road junction at Frizinghall, would form part of National Cycle Network.

V.C Bradford cycling club secretary Paul Corcoran said the greenway would give cyclists a safer way to travel.

He added: “Anything that makes cycling easier for people or gives them a little bit more confidence to ride is ideal.” He said the route would provide a better alternative to riding along Canal Road.

Professional town planner Jeff McQuillan consulted 21 organisations plus residents and councillors last summer about the plans. His report said no-one had objected to the plans.

The plans are due to be decided on in June. People have until April 19 to comment on them.