Plans to build a new Keighley College could be under threat due to the high cost of a vitally-needed roadworks.

Up to £700,000 must be found to upgrade the congestion-prone junction of Bradford Road and Dalton Lane.

Proposals for the junction would have to be in place before Bradford Council gave planning permission for the college.

But neither college bosses nor Bradford Council are able to find money on their own to improve the roads.

Urgent discussions are now being held in the hope of bringing money together from various sources.

Keighley College plans to build a £25 million, five-storey campus in Dalton Lane, next to Keighley Railway Station.

The bulk of the college construction costs would be met by the Government's Learning and Skills Council, boosted by proceeds from selling the current town centre college buildings.

Demolition of the college's former Dalton Lane annex has already begun and the new building is set for completion in 2007.

Negotiations are under way to buy the Richard Craven electrical store, next to the station, to make way for a college entrance.

Concerns about the cost of the road junction were raised last month at Keighley Transport Forum, whose members represent local organisations and businesses.

Members heard that a massive new retaining wall would have to be built by the Richard Craven building so both roads could be widened at the junction.

This would allow space for four lanes in Bradford Road and three in Dalton Lane, allowing right turns from both roads. The junction would have new traffic lights.

Andrew Mallinson, the transport forum chairman, said no single organisation could afford to pay the entire cost of the junction. But he believed there was scope for joint funding because several agencies and businesses would benefit from improved access to Dalton Lane.

The college forms just one part of regeneration plans for the Dalton Lane area, while bus and rail usage is set to increase.

Cllr Mallinson said: "This will be a case of highlighting the benefits of an integrated approach from partners and that's what will put money on the table.

"I'm 100 per cent behind the college development and the regeneration of Dalton Lane. It's part of the natural growth of Keighley. A solution has to be found."

The transport forum asked Bradford Council's regeneration officers and Mick Milner, an Airedale Partnership board member, to take on the issue.

They will enter into discussions with development agency Yorkshire Forward, Keighley College and railway bosses "as a matter of urgency".