A leading councillor has called for the River Aire close to Nab Wood Cemetery to be used by the Hindu and Sikh community to scatter the ashes of their loved ones.

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, Councillor Jeanette Sunderland, said the option is better than a stretch of river at Apperley Bridge which has been discussed as the site for a 'Bradford Ganges'.

Council officers have been in talks with the Hindu Cultural Society about railings, steps and a cement platform being provided for families at Apperley Bridge to scatter the ashes of their loved ones.

But Councillor Sunderland, Idle ward councillor, has written to the Council's director of arts, heritage and leisure, Jane Glaister, and the society with her alternative.

She said: "The scattering of ashes of a much loved relative is a very private and personal matter

"I am therefore very surprised to find that the Council is even contemplating Apperley Bridge.

"Apperley Bridge is the site of the Haigh Beck sewerage overflow outlet which discharges raw sewage into the River Aire in times of storm.

"It is also a main route for the airport and A1. I find it hard to imagine a private family occasion being held with traffic roaring past and sewerage water."

Coun Sunderland said the boundary of Nab Wood cemetery was only a few feet away from the River Aire.

"There is a short footpath through to Hirst Wood which is owned by the Council, where I am sure a place could be found for anyone who wanted to scatter the ashes of their loved ones in the river.

"The only potential problem is that the site is close to the railway, but if families were to book this facility in the same way as the chapel is booked, then I am sure quiet times could be time tabled."

She stressed it would involve the ashes of only a few people a year and the cremations would not take place at the riverside.

Today executive member for the environment, Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, said: "As far as I am concerned Apperley Bridge is not an option."

She said there was already an area designated for the ceremonies in Kirkstall, Leeds.

"I think we should assess the situation and not rush into designation of any particular site.

"Any site which was designated would present a public perspective on what is a very private and personal thing. It is very sensitive."

Hindus believe that the Ganges in northern India transports them directly to heaven and frees them from the cycle of re-incarnation.

But the Hindus and Sikhs have asked the Council for a designated area because for many it is too expensive to take their relatives' ashes to the sacred Ganges.

But Dr Murara Lal Gupta, chairman of the World Council of Hindus Yorkshire, said: "I know of only one proposal and that is acceptable to the community. I do not know anything about another one."