BRADFORD Council will hold a number of meetings with businesses in Shipley town centre over its controversial plans for a "bus gate."

New proposals would see cars prevented from using a stretch of Kirkgate, between the town's outdoor and indoor markets. It would become a bus and taxi only road, with widened cycle lanes.

A number of other changes will be introduced on surrounding roads.

It is hoped the changes will make the town centre less car centric, and more attractive to pedestrians, cyclists and the 33.8 per cent of households in Shipley that do not own a car.

Shipley currently has illegal levels of air pollution.

The plans have received a mixed response. James Craig from campaign group Clean Air Bradford said: ""Air Pollution levels are illegally high in parts of Shipley, much of which is attributable to the very high levels of traffic in the town.

"Any measures taken to reduce traffic and encourage more walking and cycling, is to be welcomed."

But Shipley MP Philip Davies called any plan to limit car access to the town centre "idiotic dogma."

MP hits out at 'anti-motorist' plan for Shipley town centre

And a number of people have commented on the plans online, complaining that they will inconvenience motorists.

A public consultation on the plans ended on Wednesday.

When asked what the next step for the plan would be, a Bradford Council spokesperson, said: “The public consultation has ended, however, we are holding a number of virtual meetings with interested groups including residents and local businesses. This will give us some more detailed views on the scheme.

“Once these engagement sessions have been completed we will gather the responses and take them into consideration when considering the proposal, which will then go through the normal decision making processes.”

Other changes proposed in the plan include closing a section of Westgate, between Kirkgate and the Junction with Atkinson Street - in front of the Sun Hotel, to traffic.

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

And a number of on street parking bays would be moved.