COUNCILLORS have expressed concern over plans for a pedestrian crossing improvement in Silsden.

Bradford Council has submitted plans for the puffin crossing, near the Elliott Street junction, and intends to build it before Christmas.

The puffin installation will replace an existing zebra crossing, but the location will be moved nearer to existing pedestrian crossings further along Kirkgate.

Town and district councillor Adrian Naylor is concerned about delays to the project, while district councillor Andrew Mallinson fears the new location could worsen congestion.

The two politicians have previously clashed over which of Kirkgate’s three crossings were most in need of an upgrade.

Coun Naylor said the crossing project – which he originally put forward – had already taken 14 months to go through the committee and planning stages.

He said: “I’m glad to see movement, but I’m concerned at the time it has taken. The money has been allocated. My concern is that we get a viable crossing for the children’s safety.

“I’m asking when this week is likely to take place. I was told it had to be carried out during a school break.”

Coun Naylor said the existing crossing at the Elliott Street junction was used daily by a “walking bus” taking pupils to nearby Aire View Infant School.

Coun Mallinson said that when Bradford Council made money available for a crossing upgrade he requested a full survey of Silsden’s three crossings, but this was refused.

He fears the new location, and the addition of traffic lights, will compromise road safety.

He said: “There are three crossings in close proximity. By having a signalised one you’re creating standing traffic which will back-up to the other crossings.

“There will be a logjam of traffic. It will frustrate drivers waiting to get out of side roads. It will also create a degree of uncertainty for users of the crossing like elderly and disabled people.”