The Government today gave its strongest hint yet that it will stump up more cash for the congestion problems in and around Bradford.

Shipley MP Philip Davies, Bradford Councillor Anne Hawkesworth and Council officials held crunch talks with Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman to discuss the on-going congestion caused by the Saltaire roundabout and wider congestion in Aire Valley.

Afterwards both Mr Davies and Coun Hawkesworth said they remained "hopeful" additional money will be found, and they are now awaiting a final decision from the Department for Transport.

The Highways Agency has offered the Council £800,000 to take over when the A650 - one of the district's major transport headaches - is de-trunked. But the cash is considered a "drop in the ocean" by Mr Davies and the Council fears it could be left with a multi-million-pound bill totackle congestion.

Mr Davies said: "The minister listened to what we had to say and I am hopeful we will get more money. We were not expecting him to say he will give us a certain amount today but it was extremely positive. We put forward a good case and it is promising, and I think the answer will be relatively quick.

"Mr Ladyman gave us a fair hearing and was receptive."

Longer term plans to ease congestion in the area were also put forward. The Council says it will not be able to carry them out unless enough cash is available to tackle the congestion caused by the extra traffic generated by the Bingley relief road.

Coun Hawkesworth, the Council's executive member for the environment, said an outcome from Mr Ladyman was needed before Bradford could make a final decision on taking over control of the busy A650.

Speaking after the meeting she said: "We believe the Government will agree an increase in the funding but it needs to be looked into.

"It was a satisfying meeting. The other part where we elaborated on future plans was also discussed and Mr Ladyman was receptive and encouraged usto talk with his civil servants as well, which was positive.

"We put on the table the problems, now we must wait."

A study into Shipley, Saltaire and Baildon's traffic problems by the Highways Agency has come up with three possible plans for the choked-up Saltaire roundabout.

But only one - which is the most far-reaching - is likely to ease congestion. It involves adding traffic lights, closing two access roads into Saltaire village and closing access to Moorhead Lane except for buses. The cost of this plan is expected to reach £565,000 including a traffic flow study and public consultation.

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