A SECTION of Ilkley Road in Burley-in-Wharfedale will be closed to traffic for almost two weeks from Monday (May 1) due to construction work at the site of the former Generous Pioneer Pub.

The pub was demolished last year to make way for a McCarthy Stone retirement development and the road closure is to enable infrastructure work to take place.

Bradford Council has issued a temporary prohibition of traffic order. It states: "Notice is hereby given that City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council by reason of construction works to be executed on or near Ilkley Road, Burley-in-Wharfedale, has made the above-named Order the effect of which will be that no person shall proceed in the length of Ilkley Road from a point outside the entrance to former Generous Pioneer Pub to its junction with A65.

"Provided that such prohibition shall not extend to vehicles being used in connection with the works to be carried out on the said length of road.

"Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

"Alternative routes for vehicular traffic affected by the Order will be available via Ilkley Road (unaffected section), Main Street, Burley bypass and vice versa.

"The Order will come into effect at 08:00 hours on the 1st May 2023 and remain in force until 18:00 hours on the 12th May 2023 (although the closure can remain in force for up to eighteen months if necessary)."

The road closure will affect bus services and WY Metro has said: "This means all services will not operate along Ilkley Road/West Terrace/Main Street between the A65 and Station Road."

Diversions are to be put in place for school services serving Ilkley Grammar School and St Mary's, Menston and Metro advise: "Passengers who usually board or alight at the stops affected by the road closure should make their way to alternative stops on the unaffected part of Main Street or Station Road as appropriate."

Burley-in-Wharfedale resident Colin Speakman has called the affect on bus services caused by road closure "an appalling situation".

He has written to local MP Philip Davies and other local politicians asking them to lobby West Yorkshire Combined Authority and First Bus.

Mr Speakman said in an email to them: "Can you, on behalf of the inhabitants of Burley, particularly those of us who have no access to private transport and who are totally dependent on the bus service, take the necessary action and ensure that WYCA and First Leeds see sense and use the (adapted) alternative route that is available for public bus services, as is regularly used during the Burley Lights road closures."