The decision to give the Bingley bypass approval was welcomed and criticised by sections of the community.

It is to provide a safer and healthier environment and assist the redevelopment within Bingley as well as improving public transport.

Keighley MP Ann Cryer says: "I am pleased for the people of Bingley and for businesses and commuters in Keighley.

"What we need now is timings - when the road is going to start and finish. It is vital that work on the road starts as early as possible."

But she went on to add that a 'much wider solution' was needed in which people should be encouraged to leave their cars behind and jump onto trains and buses instead.

She adds: "Businesses should also cut back on the use of lorries and use rail freight instead. But these plans are much further down the line and need a lot of money."

Cllr Anne Hawkesworth, Conservative spokesman on highways and a member of Keighley's Single Regeneration Budget (SRB), says: "Bingley does need action now, not promises for the future. I am aware that new roads are not the panacea for all ailments. However, there can be little doubt to any right-thinking person that a new road down Airedale is necessary.

"The long term viability of the area needs the A650 opening to enable the traffic to flow freely. Without this, areas such as Keighley will be shunted into a backwater."

But Bingley Environmental Transport Association (BETA) believes the Government has 'succumbed to the roads lobby' by proceeding with the relief road.

Tony Plumbe, chairman of BETA, says: "The Government has driven a coach and horses through its proclaimed policies to curb car use. The announcement is the death sentence for much trade and tranquil residence in Bingley."

The Aire Valley Conservation Society also condemns the decision to build the by-pass.

In a statement, the Society says: "Neither the Government nor Bradford council has done the Aire Valley any favours. Road building will merely open up the area to further traffic and more house building."

Keighley Friends of the Earth were 'miserable' when the by-pass was not removed from the national roads review. The group feels sure that 'road protesters living in trees on the Bingley by-pass route will be defending nature to the last possible minute.'

Keighley businesses say they are very pleased the relief road has been given the go-ahead.

Ismail Sulaiman, projects manager for Keighley Asian Business Forum, says: "We are very happy that the road plan has gone through because a lot of businesses want to move to Keighley but can't because of the traffic restrictions. But now that gateway has been opened. It will be a great benefit to Keighley, the business community and jobs."

Keighley Business Forum hails the new Bingley road as a 'victory'. The forum has played a leading campaigning role in the lobbying process for the new Bingley road.

Director Iain Copping says: "This news is a real boost for Keighley area companies and the community at large. Improving the district's road infrastructure has been one of our main aims since day one and the announcement can only enhance our ongoing efforts to regenerate the local economy.

"The businesses and communities of Keighley and the Aire Valley in general can now look forward to living, breathing, working and travelling more easily."

The Forum's transport group was set up to help in the relief of Bingley.

Chairman Harry Johnson, who is also the managing director of Keighley-based Peter Black Distribution, says: "We are absolutely delighted. When complete, the new road can only help generate more business for the area."

Transport officials at Bradford council have also welcomed the Government's Bingley road decision.

Cllr Latif Darr, chairman of the Transportation, Planning and Design Committee, says: "We are delighted that John Prescott has listened to the arguments for a Bingley relief road which have been put forward by the council and the local community. It's good news for everyone locally.

"This relief road is vital if we are to stop the town centre from grinding to a halt through the sheer volume of traffic which goes through Bingley every day."

He added that the relief road should not be seen as the only solution to the current transport problem in the Aire Valley but should also be backed up by a good public transport system.

No date has been given for when building will begin on the new road but it is hoped that it will be as soon as possible.

A package of transport measures will now be developed for the area in accordance with the West Yorkshire Transport Strategy. It will include:

Encouraging cyclists and buses to use the old road and town centre

Promoting the electrified Aire Valley Rail Line, making use of new rolling stock to be provided shortly

Introducing a bus park and ride scheme in South Bingley and promoting park and ride at all stations

Promoting a special lane on the relief road for vehicles with more than one occupant

Looking at appropriate traffic measures and road safety improvements for villages on alternative routes

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.