COUNCIL bosses today denied that Huddersfield gardens would be used for a new cycle route.

They spoke out after an anonymous leaflet was circulated in the Penistone Road area of Fenay Bridge.

A group called the Fenay Greenway Society said gardens would be compulsorily purchased.

But a local councillor has condemned the claims.

Tory Christine Smith said: "This has caused great concern.

"People need to be assured that there are no plans to compulsory purchase anyone's garden."

A Kirklees Council spokeswoman said no detailed decisions had been made about the project.

Formal consultation with residents is expected to start in the next month or so.

The spokeswoman added: "No residential gardens would be affected. We are not aware of any land that could be described as a garden."

She said there was a long-standing commitment to save the dismantled Kirkburton branch railway line for use as a cycling and pedestrian route.

She added: "We are investigating the feasibility of - and support for - the route."

A decision on whether to go ahead with the project would depend on the outcome of the consultation process, she said.