Calls for action by Silsden residents over a controversial road scheme have been noted by a prominent Bradford councillor. Silsden councillors put forward their concerns over major plans for the village to the leader of Bradford council, Cllr Ian Greenwood at last week's parish council meeting. Cllr Greenwood has promised to look into them.

Questions asked by members mainly centred around road works on Keighley Road, near the Belton Road turning. Councillors said the cones jutting out into the middle of the road could possibly cause a traffic accident unless safety measures were taken.

The cones have been put there following a disagreement over access between neighbouring textile firms - Weavestyle and Belmont Silks.

The dispute centred around access to the Weavestyle premises. Before the cones were put down, Weavestyle wagon drivers had been using land belonging to Belmont Silks to get to Weavestyle but Belmont Silks objected to this.

Now Bradford council has agreed to realign the western kerbline of Keighley Road and to remove the right-hand turn lane into Belton Road from the main road, thus improving visibility for drivers coming out off Weavestyle's premises.

But Silsden parish council has opposed the scheme because of possible traffic delays, speeding drivers and crashes.

Cllr Keith Norris said: "This road scheme smacks of incompetence. We are now back to a situation where nothing is actually being done to Keighley Road and this is absolutely unacceptable.

"We have got nothing like we expected. We have a better idea of what's going on here than Bradford does, but the council never listens to us."

Cllr Chris Atkinson said: "We want answers and we keep asking for them but don't get them. We were never consulted about those cones and we should have been."

Cllr Elizabeth Clarke added: "I would definitely like to see all building works and planning stopped because Keighley Road needs to be sorted out because otherwise there is going to be a mega accident there."

Cllr Greenwood responded: "I don't think you can say that Bradford council has acted irresponsibly because we are operating within regulations set out.

"I can understand the mistrust and understand people being brassed off and I am keen to recognise this mistrust."

It's extremely important that we open a dialogue. We need to address these issues and in future discuss any problems before they arise rather than pointing an accusing finger."

Chairman Paul Bromley said: "It's stated that to achieve greatness you should always remember the lies you have told. May I suggest your planning department may never achieve greatness."

Members were invited to visit Bradford council by Cllr Greenwood and a record of people's concerns were taken by senior officer David Kennedy, who also attended the meeting.

Incidents of youths intimidating the elderly were brought up at the meeting and the police representative present said they would be looked into.

The problem of litter in Silsden was also brought to the attention of members.

Cllr Michael Elsmore said: "When I recently walked around the village, I was ashamed to live in it." Keighley Road was said to resemble an 'inner city area'.

Cllr Eileen McNally suggested that a list of possible locations for additional litter bins be drawn up.

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