PLANS to make Shipley town centre less car-centric have been labelled as "ludicrous" and "anti-motorist" by local MP Philip Davies.

Revealed by Bradford Council on Monday, the plans will see a stretch of Kirkgate between the indoor and outdoor markets become a "bus gate" that would be closed to all cars except taxis.

The plans have so far received a mixed response, and Mr Davies claims the scheme would "decimate the local economy."

The Council has defended the plans, saying they were "modest changes" that would improve the town centre.

A consultation on the plans began on Monday and will last until May 12.

Recent figures show that 33.8 per cent of households in Shipley do not have a car, compared with 29.4 per cent across West Yorkshire.

The new limits would be placed on Kirkgate between the junction with Otley Road and New Kirkgate in an attempt to reduce car traffic passing through the centre and make it more attractive to pedestrians.

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.

Stretch of road in Shipley town centre to be closed to cars under new proposals

The work is the first stage of the Shipley Streets for People proposals to improve the town centre and help tackle the illegal levels of air pollution in the town centre.

But the Conservative MP is not a fan of the plans, saying: “The only thing this anti-motorist proposal will do is damage our local economy.

"Stopping cars coming into the area and taking away parking spaces - another ridiculous proposal included in the consultation - will stop people coming here.

"Shops will suffer, the markets will suffer and at a time when we should be doing everything we can to support local business it seems ludicrous that the council would put forward these proposals.

"Telling car drivers they are not welcome in Shipley is idiotic dogma which will do nothing to regenerate the town centre

“We need to keep people in jobs and create more jobs, not introduce measures which could decimate the local economy.

"Nothing good will come from this and I cannot sit quietly while the council puts livelihoods at risk with its ill-thought out plans based on ideological dogma rather than on building up the economy."

In response, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport on Bradford Council, said: “Work to support pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users in town and city centres is happening all over the country.

"Shipley should also be looking to create a modern town centre space where people can shop and spend time.

“These are modest proposals to try to ensure that traffic which is not stopping in Shipley to shop, doesn’t just use it as a means of cutting through the middle of the town centre to drive on elsewhere.

"Reducing unnecessary traffic in the town centre will make it more pleasant and safer for all of us. All the car parks and shops would still be easily accessible.

“Elements like markets and shop delivery access are catered for within the scheme – the council operate the market so obviously we’ve incorporated this element.

“The proposals are important for us because they also increase the number of disabled parking bays in the town centre area and the small section of Westgate that would be closed has the potential to be used for outdoor seating for nearby bars, which I’d hope Mr Davies would support.

“This is a consultation and we’re keen to hear people’s views. As with any changes to our roads, even relatively minor ones like this, there are strong feelings on both sides so it’s important people have their say. However it’s important they do so with knowledge of the facts and I’d urge Philip to look at the detail of the proposals before responding.”

The proposed changes have been welcomed by Shipley Town Council.

A statement from the Council said: "The proposals will increase the attractiveness of the market square. They will also improve safety for people coming into Shipley.

"Shipley town centre has illegal levels of air pollution. Measures like this are therefore needed to encourage walking and cycling. The new design will reduce through-traffic and protect the health of local traders and visitors alike."