ROAD users in Silsden have been asked to be patient and to expect delays following news that roadside repair works in the town are taking longer than anticipated.

As previously reported in the Keighley News, Bradford Council has begun work in both Bradley Road and Keighley Road.

A Bradford Council Highways spokesperson has said: “These works are flood recovery schemes being carried out in Silsden following last year’s Boxing Day floods.

“These kind of works are often prone to delays because of various obstacles, such as site restrictions in built up areas.

"But they are necessary for our contractors to carry out the job in a manner which is safe for both them and road users.

“The reconstruction of the wall on Bradley Road will now be completed on November 25, two weeks later than planned.

"We hope to reopen the road with temporary traffic lights before this date.

“The start of work to reconstruct the wall and strengthen the road at Keighley Road was delayed by four weeks to accommodate drainage works for a new housing scheme on Sykes Lane.

"There have also been other complications on this section of road, such as the need to divert high voltage electricity supply running near the existing wall, which has been more extensive than expected and the road being very narrow.

"Because of all this, the work here has been extended by six weeks, with completion scheduled for March 13 2017. But we will do all we can to complete the works before this date.

“We ask that road users bear with us during this period. There are no alternative routes through Silsden so unfortunately, delays are inevitable given the current volume of traffic.”

Responding to the delays, Craven ward councillor Adrian Naylor said it was important that the repairs and reinforcements are done to as high a standard as possible, even if it takes longer than initially planned.

"I'd rather see Bradford Council doing proper work on the flood defences than see further flooding this coming Christmas," he added.

"And it's better to have the work done in one go, rather than for the council to come back after the winter months to start again.

"I will be keeping a close eye on the progress to make sure they replace 'like with like', because part of this work is taking place within a conservation area.

"I've been given an assurance that they will be re-using as much material as possible."

Cllr Naylor warned residents to expect some further disruption further up Bradley Road after the council has finished its reconstruction, as BT has work of its own which is due to take place on this road.