KIRKLEES Council has come under fire after failing to sort out traffic problems.

Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood and Liversedge and Gomersal councillor Margaret Bates have slammed the news that the Hill Top junction at Gomersal will not be improved.

Mr Wood said: "This leaves Hill Top beyond its capacity and with the very real threat of becoming even more unsafe."

The scheme was expected to be part of a substantial housing development on the site of Burnley's mill.

The council had predicted that Hill Top would reach its capacity in 2003 and expected to have a plan in place that the developer could contribute to.

A road safety scheme was drawn up and due to go out for consultation.

But it has been confirmed there will be no scheme - and the news has not been well received.

Mr Wood said: "If Kirklees had followed through on their promise of a scheme the developer would have been able to contribute.

"We would then have had the prospect of resolving the congestion and safety issues."

He said people now faced continuing traffic problems, which it is feared will get worse.

Clr Bates said: "Kirklees must listen to residents' concerns and act on them sooner, rather than later."