A radical series of road improvements for Pool-in-Wharfedale has been presented to highways chiefs by parish councillors.

Members of Pool Parish Council have drawn up an extensive list of suggestions ranging from improved speed signs to a one-way gyratory system at the Shell garage in an attempt to slow traffic moving through the village.

The list was finalised following two public "surgeries" at which residents were invited to comment on the plans and add their own suggestions.

Now the 22 proposed improvements have been handed to Leeds City Council's highways department to appear on its committee agenda in November.

Councillor Chris Leggatt, Pool chairman, said although developments under the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) could bring about further improvements, action had to be taken now.

"We see this as an interim measure, not for what might happen in the future. We need to do something right now when there are funds available. This is a good opportunity to get something done to slow down traffic," he said.

Councillors hope they could gain from some major planning applications which are currently subject to the UDP - which could be published by the beginning of 1999.

They include a controversial 100-home bid for Swallow Drive - which the parish council is opposing - and also a gravel extraction works at Midgeley Farm.

"If that goes ahead it is thought the developer could be forced to make improvements but we have to wait for that and we cannot afford to wait any longer," said Coun Leggatt at a special meeting of the parish council.

"Even so, we have got to bear in mind there is not unanimous agreement on all the points, in particular to those relating to the gyratory around the Shell garage."

The system was one suggested by highways officers on a visit to Pool. Councillors hope the plan would improve the flow of traffic at a junction notorious for hold-ups.

But residents of houses opposite the garage have opposed the scheme which they fear will cause more access problems.

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