A long-running row over a £64,000 scheme to resurface two unadopted roads will go on for at least another six months after a court ruling yesterday.

Bradford Council wants to push ahead with a scheme to adopt Summerhill Drive and Summerhill Avenue, in Steeton, despite two formal objections which sparked a civil hearing.

Bingley magistrates adjourned the hearing yesterday amid fears support for the scheme might have dwindled and the cost soared since it was mooted in 2002.

Objector Ian Townley, of Summerhill Drive, who is facing a £3,000 bill, told the hearing the scheme was "ludicrous", badly thought-out and unfair in the way bills were apportioned.

He said a third of the road, including the area outside his home, did not need attention as it had been surfaced with tarmac 12 years ago when residents clubbed together.

But Bradford Council argued both roads must be resurfaced, given new kerbs and street lighting to bring them up to an "adoptable standard".

Council engineer Geoff Marsh said the tarmac put down 12 years ago in Summerhill Drive did not meet modern standards.

Magistrate Harold Mathers said the bench was concerned about the time lapse since the decision was made to go ahead.

He said: "Quite a number of residents have changed, including the man who was the original proponent."

Mr Mathers adjourned the hearing until November 3 to allow direct public notices to be given to all residents, with new estimates.

"The current round of residents will be given the opportunity to object or express support," he added.

Earlier, Mr Townley said the road outside his home was narrower than other sections and would not need as much work. But the council has based the charges, which range from £227.38 up to £4,017 per household, on the length of road frontage, not the width.

Tim Ayres, solicitor for the Council, urged magistrates not to "quash" the scheme, approved by Keighley Area Committee in 2004. He said adoption had received support from 79 per cent of residents in a 2002 survey. Mr Ayres said: "We have continued to receive support and people are concerned by the delay." Mr Townley said the Council would plunge many residents - including pensioners - into debt.

Pensioner James Parkerm of Summerhill Drive, said: "I certainly can't manage to pay that much. Many residents are dreading the day they start work as they can't afford it."

Mr Townley's fellow objector, Richard Manwell, of Summerhill Avenue, could not attend the hearing because of work commitments.