PEOPLE in Ilkley are being urged to have their say on proposed 20mph zones and road safety improvements in the town.

Ward councillor Anne Hawkesworth is asking for views in a letter she is sending out to residents and she is pressing for the limit to be introduced outside Ben Rhydding Primary School.

The 20mph zones, proposed by Bradford Council, do not currently cover the Ben Rhydding school.

In her letter, which goes to about 200 homes, Cllr Hawkesworth urges local people to submit their views to Bradford's online survey of its Ilkley parking strategy.

She says: "It is generally agreed that road safety near schools is improved by 20 miles per hour zones being imposed on the roads next to them. I have been pressing for progress on this in Ilkley, and raised the matter at the October meeting of Bradford Council.

"I was told that progress was being made towards introducing schemes. I have been subsequently very surprised to be told that Ilkley does not include Ben Rhydding and Bradford Council funding will not extend to a scheme for Ben Rhydding.

"I will press for this to be changed and for progress on the schemes generally. More controversial would be the implementation of 20 mph zones in other areas. I am aware that some residents are in favour and some against. I would be very pleased to hear your views."

She adds: "We have a number of road junctions in Ilkley which pose a serious danger to pedestrians, and unfortunately have resulted in fatalities. I am particularly concerned about the junction of Railway Road and Brook Street where pedestrians have to take their lives in their hands on a daily basis, although I am also conscious of other junctions and road crossings which are dangerous.

"I have been in discussion with Bradford Council, and they agree that some action needs to be taken. They are currently gathering data and doing modelling to find a suitable solution. It was suggested that the Brook Street pedestrian crossing could become light controlled to improve traffic flow, something I have been considering necessary for a while. I would like to have residents views on this. I will continue to press for action. And for proposals to be prepared for consultation, and when agreed implementation, which we all hope will not be long delayed."

Cllr Hawkesworth said she was also optimistic of achieving a crossing near to Ilkley Grammar School by the Cowpasture Road junction.