MEMBERS of Bradford East Area Committee have branded the Council disrespectful towards them after the committee sought to find an alternative route for a controversial cycle path.

In July the committee, while welcoming the cycle link from Bradford towards Shipley, argued businesses along Canal Road had put forward robust concerns about trade being affected and suggested that an alternative scheme along Valley Road be investigated.

However, this week the Council's Executive rubber stamped the scheme to build a £2.5 million segregated path, known as CityConnect 2, along the Canal Road corridor towards Shipley.

The moved has sparked anger among Canal Road business owners who could now pursue a multi-million pound lawsuit against the Council.

Speaking at tonight's meeting of the area committee, Councillor David Ward (Independent, Bolton and Undercliffe) said: "We have been subject to bullying and intimidation and cajoled by the Council into saying we have to do this or lose funding that had been put in place. It is disgraceful.

"We were responding about our concerns for local businesses since these confirmed local businesses had concerns. But this committee was accused of being indecisive. There have been bitter and resentful accusations made against this committee."

Cllr Ward said other parts of the route were also unsuitable. "Going up that hill at Hamm Strasse will kill half the cyclists it's that steep," he said.

Committee chairman Councillor Rachel Sunderland (Lib Dem, Bolton and Undercliffe) added: "This was never about not having a cycle route, it was about protecting our businesses."

She said one of the traders, Uriah Woodhead and Sons, had planned to expand their business but had said those plans would be put on hold if the cycle route along Canal Road was approved.

She added the company, which paid £185,000 each year in business rates, had even spoken about moving away altogether.

Cllr Ward said he was not happy that the report they were discussing was for information and noting only.

"What is a matter of fact is businesses have not been fully consulted," he added.

Director of Place, Steve Hartley, said consultations had gone on over a two year period and there had also been an amended design.

He said more than 200 letters had been sent out.