A MULTI-million pound package of measures aimed at freeing up Keighley's traffic-choked town centre has been given the green light.

Bradford Council's executive on Tuesday approved the scheme – which includes the widening of North Street and a one-way gyratory system, taking in Gresley Road and East Parade.

Senior councillors say the string of measures will combine to hugely improve the town's notorious traffic problems.

But campaigners have voiced doubts.

Under the plans, two southbound traffic lanes will be provided in North Street, between the Cavendish Street and High Street junctions.

Other shorter-term moves include a one-way system in Albert Street, redesigning of yellow-box junctions, a dedicated right-turn facility from North Street into Spring Gardens Lane and better co-ordination and linking of traffic light signals across the town.

Former Keighley mayor Graham Mitchell, a long-time campaigner for town-centre traffic improvements, said: "It's great that these measures have been approved – anything that helps traffic flows has to be welcome and I hope this does provide improvements – but it isn't a masterplan.

"With regards to the widening of North Street, there has been no suggestion of ripping-up pavements, so they will be seeking to squeeze-in an additional traffic lane within the existing space.

"That and the tweaking of traffic light signals is relatively small-scale stuff.

"And the suggested gyratory system will be dependent on the new developers of the East Parade site.

"None of this I would suggest is as good as the East Parade/Hanover Street/Cavendish Street one-way system which was proposed, but then rejected."

Keighley Area Committee member Councillor Andrew Mallinson has also voiced concerns.

"I welcome measures which would bring benefits but let's see the evidence that these will," he said.

"It seems like another piecemeal scheme rather than being part of a bigger plan."

Bradford Council's regeneration boss, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, said the shorter-term measures should be implemented before the end of the financial year.

The area committee has previously approved £1.1m towards the scheme.

He said the authority had worked with local businesses, particularly bus company Transdev, to improve the overall package.

"Although physical obstacles like bridges and buildings constrain the amount of work which can be undertaken, there are many smaller projects which can make things better," he added.

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins welcomes the plans.

"I'm always happy to give credit to Bradford Council where it's due," he said.

"These works are much needed and I particularly welcome the various consultations with interested parties, which should lead to better outcomes.

"I hope work can begin swiftly and be completed within the timescale set down."