ACTION is being demanded over the "disgraceful" state of a busy main road.

Craven ward district councillor Rebecca Whitaker says she has been swamped with complaints from angry residents about the condition of the A6034 through Silsden.

Potholes, unlit traffic islands and uneven surfaces have created an "obstacle course" for beleaguered motorists, she says.

Cllr Whitaker says there are "numerous outstanding issues" near to the entrance of the new Lindum housing development, opposite Aldi.

"The road has become increasingly dangerous to drive on," she said.

"I have watched large HGVs and buses struggling to pass safely, with the crumbling surface on one side of the road and ridiculously-sited islands in the middle which impede safe access. At night-time it is even worse – vehicles are having to drive through it in semi darkness, as several street lights have not been working for months. I believe moving the second island outside the entrance of the Lindum development would be a start, as it appears to be in the way."

Cllr Whitaker says she has "repeatedly" raised the issues with Bradford Council.

"I am absolutely furious that the council has been so slow to react despite me repeatedly warning that the condition of the road is not fit for purpose and presents a danger to the public," she said.

"I've telephoned the council, sent emails and raised questions at City Hall. During members' question time at the January full council meeting I requested answers as to why so many street lights were not working across the Craven ward – and specifically on this stretch of road."

She has received reports of potholes causing damage to cars and bursting tyres, with problems being compounded during recent bad weather when holes were 'camouflaged' by snow and rainwater.

Cllr Whitaker said that after approaches to senior officers and emergency teams, some larger potholes had been given temporary repairs.

But she added: "Much more is needed and I will not stop until I have received a satisfactory plan of action to resolve the rest of the problems. These holes are large, deep craters and the A6034 is a very busy road.

"Residents and I want the matters resolved. We do not care if the problems lie with the developers, other agencies or Bradford Council itself, we expect the local authority to identify the appropriate body and get the issues sorted."

She is also calling for a halt to more new housing in Silsden, claiming that all the extra homes being built are putting unbearable strain on the infrastructure – including roads.

"When new development applications are considered the impact on residents' amenity is not taken into account," she said.

"The constant traffic delays and general inconvenience to everyone are unacceptable.

"Bradford's priority appears to be solely to deliver more and more housing for Silsden. In fact, the road islands have only been installed to assist future traffic control measures – not for the current planned housing.

"The highway infrastructure alone is not sustainable and can no longer cope. I don't think any large bypass is now desirable either, as was once believed. The cost of building one would have to be covered by developers which would mean, in reality, hundreds and hundreds of additional houses being built. It would be at the cost of more green fields being built on."

Bradford Council was approached for a comment, but hasn't responded to date.