Firms on a booming Birstall industrial park are demanding urgent action to solve rush-hour congestion on a main road.

Companies on the Norquest industrial estate say getting on to the A62 Gelderd Road from Pheasant Drive - the only route in and out of the complex - is a nightmare.

One firm, BPB Recycling - which employs 40 people - now finishes at 5pm instead of 4.30pm because the problem is so bad.

Manager Andy Clough said: "We decided to make changes after a couple of our lads were involved in shunts trying to get out of the junction."

The businesses say new developments springing up on the nearby Centre 27 shopping, leisure and business park are adding to the congestion. And the firms have come up with a list of improvements following a recent meeting with Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood to air their concerns.

They are now to meet Kirklees Council highways officers to put forward their proposals.

Susan Bell-Proctor, managing director of Warehouse Systems Limited, said: "You can easily spend 15 minutes waiting to get out, especially if you want to turn right.

"It doesn't help that a bus stop is directly opposite. It couldn't be in a more daft place.

"This is a busy estate with a lot of transport firms so trucks are coming and going all the time."

Single parent Keith Robinson, a partner in The Envelope Centre next door, said: "I leave here at 5.30pm to pick up my children from school but I don't get out from the junction until 5.50pm.

"I only live seven miles away in Wyke.

"My biggest worry is emergency vehicles not being able to get out. The junction is also very dangerous, with shunts a daily occurrence."

The firms want traffic lights at the A62/Pheasant Drive junction during the two peak periods each day, a second lane created, a bus stop moved, street lights upgraded, a yellow box junction reinstated and better sight lines for drivers.

Mrs Bell-Proctor said: "The Council told us we could have traffic lights at the junction if we paid for them. It would cost £160,000."

MP Mr Wood said: "The traffic situation is intolerable and I sympathise with the companies. I will be doing everything I can to help."

Tony Tansey, the Council's group traffic engineer, said: "Highways officers are happy to meet the firms to discuss their concerns.

"The Council does not have any plans at this stage to carry out improvements at the junction.''

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