A STRETCH of road in Shipley town centre would be closed off to cars under new plans revealed today.

The length of Kirkgate between the town's indoor and outdoor market will only be open to buses and taxis, with the stretch widened to create a cycle lane either side.

A public consultation on the plans, which also include turning a number of streets into one way systems and restricting entry to others, begins today.

Bradford Council says the "bus gate" is the first step in its Shipley Streets for People scheme to make the town centre more attractive for pedestrians, and less car-centric.

The plans have been in the pipeline for several months, but details have only been released today as part of the six week consultation.

The new limits would be placed on Kirkgate between the junction with Otley Road and New Kirkgate.

And a section of Westgate, between Kirkgate and the Junction with Atkinson Street - in front of the Sun Hotel, would be closed to all traffic.

Crowgill Road would become a one way street - with vehicles only allowed to travel from Saltaire Road to Kirkgate.

A number of on street parking bays would be moved.

What regeneration projects should Shipley spend £25 million funding on?

The work is being funded through a mix of active travel funding and the Government's Towns Fund - a pot of cash awarded to towns across the country in need of regeneration.

Shipley could eventually see projects worth £25m funded through the scheme.

The Council has said: "This would help to reduce traffic along this route, reducing noise and air pollution, and improving bus journey times.

"Reducing the volume of vehicles in the Kirkgate area will also help to provide a safer, cleaner and more vibrant environment for everyone to enjoy."

Cars and other vehicles needing to access the area including the rail station, Canal Road and Foxes Corner will now need to do so via Commercial Street and Saltaire Road.

A survey of air pollution in the town held in 2019 found illegal levels of nitrogen dioxide on several main roads.

Bradford Council’s Interim Strategic Director for Place, Jason Longhurst, said: “The plans that we’ve launched today form an important part of our vision for the future of Shipley Town Centre. We know that in order for Shipley to meet its ambition to become one of the best places to live, work and visit, we need to create a town centre that is safer, more attractive and easier to access. The proposed changes to Kirkgate will still mean people can access the area by car, but they’ll also provide a much better experience for people travelling to the area by bus, cycling or walking.

“We look forward to hearing residents’ and businesses’ views on the proposed changes as we enter this exciting new chapter in Shipley’s history.”

The consultation runs until May 12.

To have your say visit https://bradford.moderngov.co.uk/mgConsultationdisplay.aspx?Id=316 or call 0808 196 9119.