PLANS to improve road safety in Honley will be discussed at a public meeting.

And the provision of a zebra crossing in the village is top priority.

The stretch of road from Lane Head roundabout to the Eastgate junction with Lower Fold has been identified as needing work.

Consideration is also being given to adjoining streets, including New Street, Cross Street, Marsh Gardens and Concord Street.

Clr Terry Lyons said there had been calls for a pedestrian crossing in Westgate for some time.

He is now urging local residents and businesses to attend a public meeting - some time in September - to make their views known.

Kirklees Council's community projects senior traffic engineer Neil Soloman said the measures should improve the village for shoppers and pedestrians using Westgate.

He said: "Westgate is the main shopping street and focal point of the village and as such should also be an area where people can meet and interact comfortably."

The changes could include facilities which would make it easier for the elderly, disabled and partially sighted to use the street more easily.

He said a working party would eventually be set up to look at the speed, volume and type of vehicles using the roads, together with parking and servicing of premises and road safety records.

It would also look at measures to encourage use of public transport and environmentally friendly travel options.

The brief also includes means of introducing safe routes to school where possible.

Mr Solomon said: "I should point out that this is a traffic project and that funding will be made available for traffic issues.

"As well as cars, this includes pedestrians, buses, goods vehicles, and cyclists and will be viewed from the perspective of visitors, businesses and residents alike."

Mr Soloman said a date for the meeting has yet to be set.

An initial meeting with key stakeholders such as bus companies would be held first.

After the public meeting had been held, a smaller working party would be established to represent different views.

Work should begin next year.