TEMPORARY traffic lights that have been put outside the entrance to a major motorbiking event could cause safety concerns, a Bradford councillor has warned.
The Shipley Harley Rally, which sees hundreds of bikers travel to Baildon from across the country and Europe, is taking place at Baildon Rugby Club, in Jenny Lane, this weekend.
But this week, temporary traffic lights have been put in place on the same road, sparking safety concerns for pedestrians and motorists, as well as being a "nightmare" for the organisers trying to set up.
Pete Griffiths, the main organiser of the event, said: "It's going to be chaotic. The lights are right outside the entrance to our site. We've had problems setting up, we've got trucks coming with temporary toilets, and a marquee, and skip wagons coming in, and when all that started coming in the traffic was just queueing up."
"It's just going to be a nightmare for us," he said.
As well as hundreds of bikers making their way to the rugby club this weekend, a charity 'ride-out' has also been planned on Sunday.
Cllr Debbie Davies (Con, Baildon) is worried that the lights could jeopardise safety in the area.
"It is a big concern both for the smooth running of this major event and for concerns over pedestrian and vehicular safety – the traffic lights are in the worst possible location as the rally is based at Baildon Rugby Club on Jenny Lane.
"The company have permission from Bradford Council which I understand was granted before the Council was notified of the rally.
"Unfortunately, there is no legal basis to ask them to postpone the work but they have been asked if they can do so. At this late stage, we can only hope they are willing and able to," she said.
READ MORE: Hundreds of Harley Davidson fans expected in Baildon this weekend for event
When the T&A asked Bradford Council for a comment, a spokesperson said: “The site is for planned roadworks for an electrical connection crossing the main carriageway that has been booked in since the 1st August.
"It is unfortunate that the works correspond with the Harley weekend, however, the road will remain open and traffic will be managed using signal controls.”
The T&A believes that the works are in place from August 26 until September 2.
The Shipley Harley Rally is due to take place from Friday, August 26 - the same day the works are due to commence, until Monday, September 29.
For more information about the event, visit www.shipley-Harley-rally.co.uk
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