KEIGHLEY'S long-awaited, much-talked-about Hard Ings Road improvement scheme has inched a car bumper closer to reality.

Public consultation has now been launched into the £7 million dual carriageway project.

There is a realisation that the venture on its own won't suddenly cure all of the town's considerable traffic ills.

But it could be a significant factor in helping Keighley on the road to better highway health.

Whatever people's views – and there are sure to be mixed feelings – it's important that the public grasps the opportunity to have its say.

Input is vital to ensure the final scheme is right for residents, businesses, pedestrians and motorists.