An MP is calling for a pedestrian crossing to be introduced on a busy Guiseley junction which he claims is "an accident waiting to happen".

Paul Truswell said priority should be given by Leeds Council's highways department to install the crossing at the Back Lane/Ings Lane junction with A65 Otley Road.

Mr Truswell (Lab, Pudsey) said people wanting to cross the road to get to bus stops and children walking to school had to take their lives in their hands when crossing the heavily-used A65.

The highways department carried out traffic volume and pedestrian crossing frequency surveys for the stretch of road in December.

It was decided that a crossing was needed, but Mr Truswell said it could be months before it was in place.

The nearest crossing points on the busy A65, which runs between Leeds and Ilkley, are at the Oxford Road junction or at the White Cross roundabout, near Harry Ramsden's.

"The A65 is already a very busy road and there are housing and business developments ongoing in Guiseley which will add to the traffic volume travelling daily through the town," said Mr Truswell.

"The road is a busy, sweeping bend and although you couldn't describe it as an accident blackspot, people are concerned that the state of the road at present is an accident waiting to happen."

Mike King, of Renton Avenue, Guiseley, is also campaigning for the pedestrian crossing. He said residents in the area have written to Leeds Council demanding it is introduced as soon as possible.

"People are concerned that lives will be lost before action is taken," said Mr King, "Many older citizens already dread having to cross the A65 at this point particularly to get the bus or to get to or from the train station.

"I got a letter from an 80-year-old woman who said it was a nightmare to cross the road so she could get her bus to Leeds.

"It is unreasonable to expect people to walk a substantial distance to get across the road. The local community wants to see early action from the Council."

A spokeswoman for Leeds Council said: "The Council carried out a traffic survey following a complaint. We have since received numerous letters supporting the original request. The site has been submitted for inclusion in the 2003/2004 Annual Pedestrian Crossing Review. The outcome of the review's findings will be reported in the summer."