LONG-AWAITED multi-million pound plans to turn a traffic-choked Keighley road into a dual carriageway have been given the green light.

The scheme to transform Hard Ings Road is among a £1.4 billion package of improvements agreed by county transport bosses.

It is one of over 20 projects to be delivered in full by 2021, says the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

But angry campaigners have hit out at a lack of progress over another initiative designed to alleviate Keighley's congestion nightmare – the proposed town-centre one-way system.

Bradford Council has previously said money is ring-fenced for the £1.5 million venture and blueprints were being drawn up.

However, district councillor Andrew Mallinson – a member of Keighley Area Committee and the town centre association – says nothing more has been heard.

"This is yet another example of council secrecy," he said.

"It must be a year since this was last discussed at area committee and I was assured that we would be kept informed of any officer meetings and developments yet we have been told absolutely nothing.

"The traffic situation in Keighley has a major impact on the whole area – the people who live and work here, the retailers and local economy.

"This package of measures would significantly relieve the congestion and I am appalled at the lack of progress."

Keighley mayor, Councillor Graham Mitchell, a keen campaigner for improvements to the local transport network, welcomed the funding approval for the Hard Ings Road scheme.

But he too voices concerns about the absence of news over the one-way system, which would operate along Hanover Street, Cavendish Street and East Parade.

"The dualling of Hard Ings Road is badly needed and I am pleased the scheme is progressing," he said.

"However I am anxious to know what has happened to the town centre plans.

"The years go on and the traffic piles up."

When asked by the Keighley News for an update on the project, Bradford Council said only that a report would be going to next month's area committee meeting.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority said all the schemes in its approved package had been devised and assessed for their impact on unlocking economic benefits.

"This vital programme of transport development focuses on delivering benefits which transcend district boundaries," said chairman Councillor Peter Box.

"It will improve business links, unlock areas for potential commercial development and give companies and individuals better access to the strategic national transport network."

Bradford Council leader, Cllr David Green, said: "The fund will deliver economic benefits for the district and the whole region.

"An efficient regional transport system is the key to increasing economic prosperity and sustainability over the next decade, especially for people living in more deprived areas.

"Better transport will increase employment options, as well as providing faster journeys, de-congestion and improved air quality."