ALL day road closures on five successive Sundays could trap Wilsden people in their homes during the Tour de Yorkshire and on two bank holiday weekends, a resident has warned.

Main Street will be closed for re-surfacing from 7.30am to 7pm starting this Sunday, May 3, and diversions will be in place via Harden Lane, Wilsden Road, Hill End Lane, Cullingworth Road and back onto Main Street.

The 400 yard stretch is between Lee Close and Spring Park Road and residents of adjoining streets have been advised to park their cars away from the affected area - any cars blocking the works may be removed and their owners charged for their release.

Resident Doug Akroyd, who lives on Chapel Row, received a letter from Bradford Council about the work this week.

"It implied no-one would have access to their homes and that some 300 people would have to park away from their homes if they wanted to get in and out of the village," Mr Akroyd, 61, said.

"That would cause chaos and for nearly 12 hours each day."

He said it would also be hell for horse riders to cross Main Street to reach a bridleway.

Mr Akroyd received an email from Bradford Council yesterday which said householders would have limited access to their properties.

"Access availability will depend on the activities on site," the local authority's assistant engineer Charles Wong wrote.

"Residents will be able to go either uphill or downhill during the works. Affected residents will be able to obtain up-to-date information on the day."

Retired journalist Mr Akroyd had questioned why traffic lights could not be used instead of total closure.

Mr Wong's response said: "It is unfortunate we cannot undertake the works under temporary traffic lights. Main Street is not wide enough to accommodate passing vehicles, equipment and working area, therefore a closure is required."

The manager of Stephen H Smith's Garden Centre, in Wilsden Road, Harden, said the closure could deter customers.

"This is a busy time of year and I suspect it might be bad for trade, but it's just one of those things," Chris Grain said.

But at the Malt pub, further along the road, front of house manager Jamie Henshall said there might be a surprise benefit.

"Residents might come out for a Sunday stroll instead of driving and find solace in our beer garden," he said.

The Council apologised for any inconvenience said work was being done on Sundays to minimise inconvenience.

"The road will be closed to through traffic but there will be limited access for residents. But, there could be some waiting times of up to ten to 15 minutes in the early stages of the works and around one and a half to two hours during resurfacing," a spokesman added.

"During the works a shuttle bus will be provided to maintain the bus service. Metro will post notices on affected bus stops and there will be access for emergency services at all times."