Demands to upgrade a zebra crossing have been stepped up following a serious accident near the site.

An elderly pedestrian suffered head injuries after being involved in a collision with a car in Kirkgate, Silsden, last Wednesday.

Now town and district councillor Adrian Naylor is renewing his calls for immediate action to provide a traffic-light-controlled crossing, instead of the current zebra facility, at the Elliott Street junction.

“This latest accident reinforces the need for something to be done,” he said.

“There have already been several near misses involving parents and children and I’ve been told that the crossing patrol officer, who is on long-term absence, is not being replaced until a review has been carried out.”

The £35,000 funding for the new pelican crossing has now been approved.

Coun Naylor added that the new lights would include sensors, which would detect traffic build-ups and automatically change to help flows at the Elliott Street and Howden Road junctions.

Keith Escritt, Bradford Council's principal engineer, confirmed that funding for the crossing upgrade had been approved in July.

He added: “The design work is well advanced and consultation will start shortly.”