A TOWN councillor has questioned the value of a massive public consultation exercise now under way into a £7 million Keighley road improvement scheme.

Cllr Michael Westerman says he is a long-time supporter of the project to transform Hard Ings Road into dual carriageway.

But he feels the month-long consultation is unnecessary.

"The decisions have clearly been made so why do we now need to go through this?" said Cllr Westerman, a former town mayor who chairs the Keighley council's watch and transport committee.

"Bradford chiefs must have looked at everything before the proposals were agreed, so the plans aren't going to be changed now.

"We have been pressing for this scheme for years – it is desperately needed.

"It's high time the talking ended and we saw some action."

As part of the consultation, Bradford Council is staging a drop-in session at Victoria Hall in Keighley from 2pm to 8pm next Thursday (Sept 29), when the public can view the plans and submit comments.

People can also visit hardingsroad.com, e-mail info@hardingsroad.com or call 0800 032 1880.

In addition to the road widening, a new set of traffic lights would be installed at the Beechcliffe roundabout and there would be a signalised pedestrian crossing near the Lawkholme Lane junction.

A two-way cycle and pedestrian path is also planned, together with landscaping.

Work on the scheme has a target completion date of no later than 2019-20, although it could be in place earlier.

Campaigners have welcomed the long-awaited initiative to tackle the notorious Hard Ings Road bottleneck, which is sandwiched between two sections of dual carriageway.

But Keighley Central councillor, Khadim Hussain, has raised questions about the benefits of traffic lights, which he fears could counteract any improvements in vehicle flows.

And his fears are shared by some online readers.

YorkyBarKid claims the scheme is "a waste of public money".

He adds: "It isn't a proper solution to the problem.

"The A650 is primarily a commuter route along the Aire corridor.

"Vehicles need to move quickly along it so what's required are lanes of continuously moving traffic, without having to stop at a roundabout or hit traffic lights.

"McDonalds and the garages could relocate somewhere more suitable, where traffic won't be interrupted by turning vehicles.

"And a new access could be created off the roundabout to TK Maxx etc."

Councillor Alex-Ross Shaw, Bradford Council's portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said the scheme would bring massive benefits.

"The installation of new lanes for vehicular traffic – as well as adding signalised junctions – will greatly reduce journey times," he added.

"This should have a positive effect on local businesses and attract investment into the area.

"The scheme will also benefit those using bikes and walking through the area."