HUNDREDS of people have given their views on a planned £1.5 million scheme to free up a traffic-choked town centre.

Council highways officers said they were delighted with the initial public response to consultation over the proposed jam-busting one-way system.

And they revealed that there was a mixture of opinions over the long-awaited project.

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

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

And drivers would be banned from turning right into or out of Low Mill Lane.

Around 500 people attended a consultation event, held over two days in Keighley's Airedale Shopping Centre.

Many visitors completed questionnaires there and then or took them away to fill in.

And others vowed to submit their comments online.

"We have been very pleased with the level of interest," said highways officer Richard Bruce, who was among those manning the information stand in the shopping mall.

"We've had a variety of views. Some people feel it is a good idea while others say it won't work.

"But most people agree that something needs to be done to ease the traffic flows around the town centre.

"Our own belief is that the system will work, but we must stress this is still only a proposal.

"That is why it's important the public has its say. All comments and suggestions will be examined before any decision is made."

He said one of the concerns raised regarded the additional distance some motorists would have to travel to negotiate their way around the town.

But he added: "The traffic flow would be more controlled which would off-set that in terms of the time taken."

As part of the scheme, a 20mph speed limit and informal pedestrian crossing facilities would be introduced.

Public consultation continues until June 29 and people can give their views at bradford.gov.uk/consultations.

The findings will go before Keighley Area Committee in late summer or early autumn.

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