POLITICAL rivals are joining forces to demand repairs to a busy Huddersfield road.

Tory Clr Tony Brice and Labour stalwarts Clr Mehboob Khan and Clr Mohan Sokhal usually criticise each others politics across the Kirklees Council chamber.

But now they have thrown political differences aside to push for the resurfacing of a Birkby road.

They have launched a petition demanding action.

Already hundreds of people who live near Birkby Hall Road/Birkby Road have put their names to the petition.

The roads is due to be resurfaced next year, but the councillors say the work cannot wait. They want major works to begin now.

Clr Brice said: "Ever since I have been a councillor people have been concerned about the state of this road - and it is only getting worse.

"To be fair to the highways department they do come out and patch up potholes. But the road is at the stage now where that is not enough.

"This is one of those things that makes a real difference to people's lives. That is why we want action."

Clr Sokhal said: "The road needs work and a lot of people, including me, feel it cannot wait.

"This is a very busy route between Bradford Road and Halifax Road and it needs to be in much better condition.

"It is breaking up and I do not think it is as safe as it could be."

But Kirklees Council is refusing to budge.

A spokesman for the highways department said: "Birkby Road is not in any programme of work as it does not meet the criteria for repair at present.

"Limited cash means roads are prioritised on their need for repair.

"This road did not rank high enough this time. We will, however, be monitoring the situation.

"We will also send a team out to repair any potholes as necessary."

The petition will be handed to the highways department soon.