Jubilant campaigners today hailed the early start to work on the Bingley Relief Road as the start of a new era for the town.

Transport Minister Lord Whitty has announced that the new £60 million dual carriageway should open to traffic in 2003/4 instead of 2004/5.

And Philip Smith, chairman of the Better Bingley Campaign, who has fought hard for the new road to go ahead despite objections from a vocal environmental lobby, said it could spark the rebirth of the town centre.

He said there were already signs of new life being breathed into the town centre since the relief road was given the go-ahead.

These included new street lighting and car parking.

"The street lighting will start in the next few weeks. We will be getting rid of the concrete monstrosities and having nice, graceful period-style lighting down Main Street," said Mr Smith.

"I believe all these things are just the tip of the iceberg. Once we start seeing the road being built people will start to invest in Bingley again. This announcement gives a clear signal to a lot of people. Everything's looking much more positive."

He said he hoped the Government might even make a financial saving by starting work on the road earlier, which could also benefit Bingley.

He said: "I am convinced that the Government isn't stupid and they realised there is a need for this road, despite the doubts that everyone has about its position and siting.

"The relief road is going to be a real catalyst for change. Bingley could be quite an attraction. It's got so much to offer."

The news that the road has been brought forward by 12 months was welcomed.

David Dinsey, Bingley town centre manager, said: "This is extremely good and welcome news for the town and we can only hope that the Highways Agency will be able to proceed with awarding the contracts as soon as possible."

Norman Roper, chairman of Bingley Civic Trust, said: "My reaction is one of unqualified delight. The civic trust has been quite active in supporting the road and I think we have never varied from that stance. We would welcome it very much."

Chris Leslie, 27, Labour MP for Shipley, said: "We have had people crying wolf for decades - it has been going on for longer than I've been alive."

Government money for the project will be released in eight weeks' time and Highways Agency officials are about to invite bids for the contract. The 5km relief road will run from Crossflatts to Cottingley Bar, relieving traffic-choked Main Street.

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