A MULTI-million pound congestion-busting package of measures for Keighley's traffic-choked town centre is poised to get the green light.

The widening of North Street and a one-way gyratory system, taking in Gresley Road and East Parade, are among the planned improvements.

Senior district councillors will debate the sweeping proposals next week, with a recommendation that officers be given delegated powers to kickstart the changes.

The string of measures includes the provision of two southbound traffic lanes in North Street, between the Cavendish Street and High Street junctions, although that proposal would be dependent on acquiring land from the former college site.

Other shorter-term moves include a one-way system in Albert Street, redesigning of yellow-box junctions, a dedicated right-turn facility from North Street into Spring Gardens Lane and better co-ordination and linking of traffic light signals across the town.

Bradford Council's regeneration boss, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, said the proposals would combine to hugely improve the town's notorious traffic problems.

"The scheme contains a range of short, medium and long-term measures to help improve traffic flow in and around Keighley town centre," he added.

"Although physical obstacles like bridges and buildings constrain the amount of work which can be undertaken, there are many smaller projects which can make things better.

"We have worked with local businesses – particularly Transdev, the Keighley bus company – and been able to incorporate their suggestions, which has helped to improve the overall package.

"The report going to our executive is another step in the process and we remain on track to meet our commitment to implement the shorter-term measures before the end of the financial year."

The executive, which will discuss the measures on Tuesday, has previously approved £1.1m towards the scheme.

Officers say the Gresley Road/East Parade gyratory would require significant capital investment, of around £7m, but there could be a developer contribution towards the costs from the company now overseeing the Worth Valley Shopping Centre site.

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins welcomes the plans.

"I'm always happy to give credit to Bradford Council where it's due," he said.

"These works are much needed and I particularly welcome the various consultations with interested parties, which should lead to better outcomes.

"I hope work can begin swiftly and be completed within the timescale set down."

But Keighley Area Committee member Councillor Andrew Mallinson, a long-time campaigner for town-centre traffic improvements, voiced concerns.

"I welcome measures which would bring benefits but let's see the evidence that these will," he said.

"It seems like another piecemeal scheme rather than being part of a bigger plan.

"These latest suggestions haven't come before the area committee and we have been here before, where powers above have tried to decide our destiny."

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