A local councillor has called for action to tackle traffic-choked roads in the Bowling area of Bradford.

Councillor John Ryan (Lab, Bowling) claims that new industry moving into the Dick Lane area is causing residents to suffer air and noise pollution and fear for their safety.

His call follows the demolition of the former Allied Bakeries buildings in Dick Lane to make way for 86 new houses and seven industrial units. Seen by many as a local landmark, the four-acre site will now be ready for Leeds-based developers Orion to build on within two months.

Coun Ryan said that despite protests against the proposals last year, residents had accepted the development. But they now faced higher traffic levels along the Dick Lane corridor between the Thornbury and Dudley Hill roundabouts.

"It's quite industrialised now," said Coun Ryan. "The traffic has quadrupled over the last few years.

"Most residents are concerned that all this development is causing traffic and noise pollution and making the road quite dangerous. The site that's being developed will lead to further congestion. They still want action from the Council."

The junction approaching Dudley Hill roundabout was of particular concern to residents because of the narrow approach, he added.

Permission was given for the building project last August after Bradford Council planners refuted claims it would increase noise and disturbance. But Coun Ryan said that the lack of planned play areas around the site added to concern.

He said: "We will continue to fight for more play areas because they're very scarce.''

Staff at Orion Development were unavailable to comment.

A planning spokesperson for Bradford Council said a number of objections including those from Coun Ryan had been fully considered, in addition to an on-site visit by the planning committee, before permission was granted for the Dick Lane site. He added: "The members also requested that an additional legal clause was added to the list of conditions ensuring the provision of public open spaces and sufficient play areas."

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