A MAJOR Bradford district road was used as the location for a key scene of this week’s episode of a new TV thriller.

Better kicked off with its first episode of the series with a dramatic episode on BBC One on February 13.

The thriller explores themes of morality, loyalty and family, and follows Lou (Leila Farzad) and Col (Andrew Buchan) – two friends who struck a life-changing deal 19 years ago.

The pair have been connected for 19 years since struggling detective Lou helped place Col at the top of the crime boss pile, making him rich and powerful and helping kickstart Lou's faltering career.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: From left, Aftar Malik, played by Alex Williams, and Adib Mailk, played by Akib Ahmed, are arrrested during the third episode in a scene filmed on Bingley BypassFrom left, Aftar Malik, played by Alex Williams, and Adib Mailk, played by Akib Ahmed, are arrrested during the third episode in a scene filmed on Bingley Bypass (Image: BBC/Sister Pictures/Vishal Sharma)

The series, some of which was filmed in Bradford, will continue with episode three, screened on Monday, February 27 at 9pm, and the BBC has released some teaser photographs.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Esther, played by Olivia Nakintu, arrives at the arrest scene filmed on Bingley BypassEsther, played by Olivia Nakintu, arrives at the arrest scene filmed on Bingley Bypass (Image: BBC/Sister Pictures/Vishal Sharma)

In this third episode of the series, a scene featuring a police chase and a dramatic arrest roadside arrest takes place on Sir Fred Hoyle Way, also known as Bingley Bypass. The road was partially shut as the filming took place in May last year.

Part of Sir Fred Hoyle Way was shut from 6am until 9 pm on Sunday, May 15 with one side of the dual carriageway being used for traffic travelling in both directions.

A public notice was published by the Bradford Council the week before filming took place.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Lou pictured during episode three of BBC drama BetterLou pictured during episode three of BBC drama Better (Image: BBC/Sister Pictures/Vishal Sharma)

Councillor Geoff Winnard (Con, Bingley) says he stands by his initial criticism of the disruption that the partial road closure caused at the time of filming, which he branded as ‘chaos’.

He said: “I’m watching the series myself. It’s a good series. It’s good to have a drama based in West Yorkshire, but my single criticism stands.

“The reality is that the scene will hardly promote Bingley as a town.

“The disruption caused by the closure of the road has effectively countered any benefit.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Lou, played by Leila Farzad, and Ceri (Samuel Edward Cook) during a scene from the third episode of BetterLou, played by Leila Farzad, and Ceri (Samuel Edward Cook) during a scene from the third episode of Better (Image: BBC/Sister Pictures/Vishal Sharma)

District locations included the University of Bradford also feature in the drama, which looks at the Leeds’ criminal underworld.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Col, played by Andrew Buchan, in reflective mood during Monday's episode Col, played by Andrew Buchan, in reflective mood during Monday's episode (Image: BBC/Sister Pictures/Vishal Sharma)

In the guide to the third episode of five, the BBC said: “Lou and Vernon’s plans to take Col down threaten to trigger a bloody gang war, while Owen and Donal grow ever closer. Esther becomes curious about Lou’s erratic behaviour.”

The entire five-part series of Better can be found on the BBC iPlayer now. 

 

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