A £200,000-plus package of road safety measures is aiming to reduce danger levels for schoolchildren.

Keighley Area Panel has given the green light to a package of measures which includes improving pedestrian safety outside several schools.

A number of 20mph limits have also been introduced in a bid to halt speeding drivers through villages and parts of Keighley.

The safety measures received the go-ahead from the area panel at its meeting last week.

The amount represents a massive increase on previous years' allocations and the schemes will be implemented this financial year.

Panel chairman Councillor David Emmott said: "I am really pleased that local councillors can allocate this large amount of money across the whole of Keighley.

"Our decisions were based on the needs of areas, and all the councillors present were in agreement."

The area panel approved new "school zones" outside St Joseph's School, in Queens Road, Ingrow, and Lees Primary School, in Haworth Road, Cross Roads.

A pedestrian refuge will be built outside Guard House Primary School and a new footway will be constructed next to Long Lee Primary School.

Residents living in Thornhill Road, next to Airedale Hospital, have welcomed the introduction of a 20mph zone along their road.

They say that patients and staff parking on the road, combined with speeding motorists, present a danger to pedestrians.

Carole Harrop, of Thornhill Road, said: "I think everyone will feel it is a good idea because the biggest worry is the safety of children playing in the area."

New 20mph schemes will also be introduced through East Morton and Stanbury.

Among the other schemes approved was a £25,500 improvement package for Hanover Street, Keighley.

At least two of the existing pedestrian crossing points will be refurbished, and new safety measures will be introduced, including speed bumps and a 20mph limit. The move is in response to concerns raised by the Keighley Town Centre Management group.

Its chairman, Cllr Andrew Mallinson, who is also an area panel member, said: "I am delighted that this scheme has been approved.

"It is a good example of how local concerns are being taken on board and acted upon locally, with the release of power from central Bradford.

"It also demonstrates the strength of voice of the Town Centre Management group, despite the fact it has just six funding members. I would like to see more retailers involved."