ROADS and transport are the key to the development of the Kirkburton area.

This is the how Kirklees Council's area committee sees it.

Now residents are being asked for their views on the council's plans.

The ideas are the first phase of the new Local Development Framework for the Kirkburton ward.

The LDF will replace the Unitary Development Plan and will spell out how decisions on planning and transport are made.

Residents will be able to give their views on transport and other development at a meeting of Kirkburton Area Committee next Wednesday at 7.30pm at Kirkburton First School, School Hill.

Area Committee chairman, Clr Christine Smith, said: "We know people feel very strongly about development issues - in particular about the growth in new houses - and the knock-on pressure on local services.

"I hope people will come along and get involved."

The meeting will also discuss the possibility of introducing more `one stop shops' for council services.

These currently operate at Birstall and Skelmanthorpe Libraries and provide a central point for information on issues such as health, housing and employment.