Transport planners have laid out proposals to improve safety and cut congestion at one of the district’s worst bottlenecks at the beginning of a major consultation.

Residents from across the district looked over the Council’s £4.3m-plans to remove Saltaire roundabout and replace it with traffic lights.

Designs for the new layout – which include blocking off Clarence Road and Albert Road – went on show for the first time on Saturday.

They were chosen from 19 options during a series of meetings between residents, officials, consultants Arup and Metro, West Yorkshire’s transport authority.

Under the new proposals, traffic to and from Hirst Wood will be able to reach Bingley Road via new traffic lights at Hirst Lane.

There will also be a new “public realm” – a paved pedestrian area in front of The Old Tramshed in Bingley Road.

Many who visited the exhibition at Hughes Bakery in Hirst Wood, approved of the proposals.

Jim Staveley of Ashley Road, Bingley, said: “I think the plans are great. I’m sure this will improve safety.”

However, others were more sceptical, particularly over claims traffic flow would improve.

Michael Lewis, 92, of Tower Road, Saltaire, said: “The problem started in Bingley and that has been moved to Shipley after the Bingley Relief Road. The only solution would be an Aire Valley motorway.

“It will be an improve-ment but there are still big problems.”

Shipley Councillor Kevin Warnes said it was important the scheme received public support. If it does, work could begin next year.

The plans will be on show at Victoria Hall, Saltaire until March 16.

A neighbourhood forum will be held on Tuesday, March 16, at 7.30pm at Victoria Hall to allow people to add their comments.

Councillor Hawarun Huss-ain said: “There has been a fantastic turn-out. The sheer number of people shows that there is tremendous interest about what will happen next.”