RESIDENTS are being given their say regarding a long-awaited £1.5 million scheme to free up a traffic-choked town centre.

Plans for a jam-busting one-way system in Keighley are finally going on public show next week.

If the initiative gets the green light, it could be implemented as soon as next summer.

Campaigners who have been pressing for years for action to combat Keighley's chronic traffic problems welcome the consultation.

And they urge supporters to make their voices heard.

"This scheme has been a long, long time in coming and I am delighted it is now being opened up to public consultation," said Russell Revill, managing director of operations with bus company Transdev.

He chaired a traffic advisory panel – an off-shoot of Keighley Town Council – which pushed for the measure.

"We have been very concerned for some time about the traffic situation in the town and the effect on journey times," he added.

"Anyone who drives through the town centre will appreciate at some periods of day, it can take you twice as long to get around."

Under the new scheme, a clockwise one-way gyratory system would be introduced along East Parade, Hanover Street and Cavendish Street.

It includes left-turn-only exits from Gresley Road and Coney Lane into East Parade.

The plans will be on display in Keighley's Airedale Shopping Centre from noon to 6pm on June 11 and from 10am to 4pm on June 13, when people will be able to complete a questionnaire.

An online questionnaire will also be available – at bradford.gov.uk/consultations – from Monday.

Former town councillor and mayor Graham Mitchell, who also served on the advisory panel, said he was pleased the scheme is at last nearing fruition.

"We were anxious to see the one-way system become reality and I hope other people view it in the same positive light," he added.

"There is not the money or land for a by-pass so the fact is we aren't going to get anything on a bigger scale.

"We came to the conclusion this scheme would keep the traffic flowing."

Steve Seymour, manager at the Airedale Shopping Centre and chairman of Keighley Town Centre Association, said the scheme was "long overdue".

"I feel it is the right thing for the town and it will improve the traffic situation," he added.

"I think it's important the community – businesses and individuals – takes up the opportunity to have its say."

Councillor Val Slater, deputy leader of Bradford Council, said: "The problem of congestion in Keighley town centre is growing, so we need to do something to counter this."

The consultation ends on June 29 and the findings will go before Keighley Area Committee in late summer or early autumn.