ILKLEY district councillors have been informed that work on the installation of signs and traffic calming for the town's controversial 20mph zone will start on Monday.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth (Ind, Ilkley), Councillor Andrew Loy (Con, Ilkley) and Councillor David Nunns (Con, Ilkley) were informed the work is due to commence on February 12 in an email from Simon D'Vali, Bradford Highways’ Principal Engineer, sent on Tuesday this week.

He said: "The traffic calming installation and 20mph roundel sign erection will take place next week, commencing the 12th February. Weather dependent but will take approximately four weeks."

Bradford Council is pressing ahead with the plan for a town-wide 20mph zone in Ilkley despite contentious debate about the issue.

The scheme received a large number of objections from Ilkley residents and led to the formation of Ilkley Road Safety Action Group (IRSAG).

The non-political group, formed by local residents, forced a parish poll which resulted in a resounding no to the scheme. However, the results were non binding.

Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said “I am pleased to see we are in the final stages of delivery of this high quality scheme. 20mph zones are proven to work in reducing both the number and severity of collisions, improving road safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The installation of this scheme will improve conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users. It is important to note that the amount of traffic calming being installed is half the amount originally proposed, which we amended based on feedback through the consultation process. We have already delivered similar schemes elsewhere in the district and we’re confident that this is an appropriate scheme for Ilkley and will deliver lasting benefits for all highway users.”