Steeton and Eastburn chairman David Emmott, who is also the prospective Conservative candidate for the South Craven ward, claims the build-up of traffic between the Dalesway junction and Steeton traffic lights is worse now than before the Aire Valley Trunk Road was built.

He also says that children in Steeton and Eastburn take their lives into their hands when crossing the busy road.

He told Wednesday's meeting of the parish council, which was also attended by Bradford council leader Councillor Ian Greenwood, that he blames controversial traffic calming humps introduced last spring in Station Road, Cross Hills, by North Yorkshire county council.

He believes that the cause of the problem lies 'further upstream' at Colne where heavy traffic is directed onto the A6068 through Cowling and Glusburn.

He thinks that it is time Bradford, North Yorkshire and Pendle councils got together to discuss the situation.

He called on Mr Greenwood for his support. "The problem is getting worse," he says. "It's horrendous. When are these councils going to sort this out."

A survey carried out on November 5 between 7am and 7pm showed that traffic using the B6265 was down by 10 per cent compared to a similar survey carried out in 1993.

The numbers of cars and commercial vehicles had reduced but there had also been a 65 per cent cut in the number of cyclists using the route.

But Mr Emmott argues that a large number of heavy goods vehicles are still using the now 'de-trunked' B6265.

"Heavy goods drivers have realised they could save a probable delay at the Kildwick level crossing if they turned right at the Dalesway junction.

This has brought the polluting heavy traffic back through Steeton and Eastburn," says Mr Emmott.

His calls have been backed by Bradford councillor Eric Dawson.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire County Council says that it is not aware of any problems with traffic congestion. "The road humps have been successful in reducing speed in the area but we have not noticed a particular change in traffic management," he says. "However, if the parish council feels there is a problem then we would be glad to open discussions."

Mr Greenwood promised to take the concerns back to his officers.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.