Euro MP Diana Wallis has caused outrage by calling for work on the Bingley relief road to be halted.

The MEP for Yorkshire & the Humber acted after the Government announced last week that it was bringing its start date forward and Professor Richard Butler, of Bingley Environmental Transport Association, arranged a site visit.

Ms Wallis said: "The original Environmental Impact Assess-ment was made nearly 20 years ago. At that time the Commission took the UK authorities to task over procedural inadequacies.

"I have asked the Commissioner to request the UK Government to delay proceeding any further with these roadworks until they are satisfied that all European-level requirements have been met.

"It is important that the process is carried out properly and that all environmental considerations are taken into account."

But her actions were scorned by Shipley MP Chris Leslie, Labour, a key backer of the scheme. He said: "The Lib Dems have never historically taken any interest in traffic problems in Bingley and for this woman to take this action will be surprising to people here to learn that she represents them.

"I would be very surprised if she has ever been to Bingley or been involved in our traffic problems.

"It will mean nothing, all the processes are cleared and we are motoring on, though these false alarms do not help. I think this action will damage the Lib Dems enormously, showing them to be out of touch with local opinion and shows their naivety."

A spokeswoman for the Highways Agency said: "As far as the agency is concerned the matter is closed, unless we hear any differently from the European Commission.

"It's a bit misleading to say that an investigation is being undertaken by the Commission which is what she seems to be suggesting.''

Prof Butler said of the proposed road: "It's a bad scheme. Our position is that it should have a full Environmental Impact Assessment which would look at the whole Airedale route and the issue of transport.

"The authorities, including the Highways Agency, have pushed the issue under the carpet. All we want is for the law to be upheld."

T&A Opinion

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