Motorists were dealt a major blow today with news that roadworks on one of the district's most notorious routes will continue until Christmas.

And the Highways Agency said it would be necessary to have temporary traffic lights on the A650, which goes through Bingley, on seven separate days.

The A650 is one of the district's most snarled- up stretches, even without roadworks.

Drivers say the past few weeks, while work has been carried out, have been a nightmare, with massive queues, especially at peak hours.

They have strongly criticised the timing of the contract.

Red-faced Council officials today admitted there had been a "misunderstanding" over an announcement by highways sub-committee chairman Councillor Phil Thornton that the major work would finish this week, although less disruptive measures would continue to Christmas.

Everything would be done to minimise disruption, particularly at peak periods, he pledged.

The Council is acting as agent for the Highways Agency, and has sub-contracted the work to Tilcon. A Highways Agency spokesman said: "Surfacing works are due to start next week and it is anticipated that there will be a further seven separate days when temporary traffic lights will be required on the A650.

"These days may not necessarily be consecutive, since laying some of the material is weather dependant."

He added that when the surfacing works were completed white lining and signing would be put in and the new traffic lights completed at the new Cottingley Road junction. The work is expected to finish just before Christmas.

The Council says it cannot give dates for the temporary traffic lights because the schedule may change with such factors as weather.

Resident Pat Rand said it was vital for motorists to be given up-to-date information as the work progressed to allow them to make plans in the busy run-up to Christmas. She called for more work to be done at night.

And leader of Bradford Council's Tory group, Councillor Margaret Eaton, who lives in Cottingley, said the chaos during the next few weeks would decimate Christmas shopping in both Bingley and Keighley.

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