A LEADING Silsden councillor has called for an alternative access road to service a swathe of potential new housing and business developments.

Chris Atkinson said one major entrance was needed for all the projects proposed for sites off Keighley Road on the Silsden side of the town.

Cllr Atkinson, the town mayor, believes any new junction with Keighley Road should be on the outskirts of Silsden before traffic reaches built-up areas of town.

He issued the plea after he and fellow town councillors heard the latest information about a planned supermarket on part of the land.

Representatives of development company Silvermantle last week told councillors that intended to continue with their application – currently lodged with Bradford Council – for a supermarket, petrol station and car park on the former site of Becks Mill.

Silvermantle was originally working with Tesco, but the supermarket giant pulled out of the project last month. Silvermantle hopes to interest another supermarket chain when the economy improves.

Several more planning applications are expected over the next few years, mostly for housing, on adjoining sites on the Steeton side of Silsden, bordered by Keighley Road and the Leeds Liverpool Canal.

Local councillors have voiced fears that several separate access roads could end up being built along busy Keighley Road.

Cllr Atkinson said the best solution would be one new road before the existing housing starts, running off Keighley Road alongside the existing Silsden sports ground.

He said: ““Personally I would like to see a proper access road through there. Our major concern is access.”

Cllr Atkinson said town councillors were also concerned that the Becks Mill site would remain derelict until Silvermantle could attract a supermarket company.

He added: “It will be an eyesore for another three years.”