A MAN is calling for a new traffic system at Slaithwaite's busiest junction.

Andrew Farr, 45, who lives on New Street in the village, wants Kirklees Council to put a roundabout at the point where New Street, Lewisham Road and Carr Lane meet.

Vehicles using a small car park next to the canal also enter and exit at that point.

Mr Farr also wants pedestrian crossings put in to allow people to cross Carr Lane safely.

He says the junction is dangerous to drivers and pedestrians.

At the moment drivers coming into the village centre down Carr Lane cannot see vehicles leaving New Street on their left.

The view of Carr Lane to the right is blocked for drivers coming out of New Street.

Mr Farr also says some motorists use the exit of Lewisham Road - a one-way street - and the entrance of the canalside car park to do U-turns.

He said: "Since the redevelopment of the village centre and the creation of the round car park near the canal, the parking near the shops has been reduced.

"People have to park in the New Street car park and walk up. This means they have to cross the road near that junction.

"There is no crossing point and it is dangerous. It is only a matter of time before someone is killed."

Mr Farr said he had previously asked the council to put in a roundabout and crossings - but nothing had happened.

He has been prompted to renew his calls by the news that a roundabout is to be installed at the other end of the village, at the junction of Carr Lane and Britannia Road.

He said: "I have a lot of respect for the gentleman who campaigned for that, because he did a lot of work.

"But the fact that they are doing something there and not doing anything about this other problem is amazing."

A Kirklees highways spokesman said a roundabout was not a suitable solution.

But he said work would start next month to realign the junction and put a zebra crossing on Carr Lane.

He added: "We are aware of the issues around this junction. We consulted the public on possible solutions at the same time as we consulted on the Britannia Road /Carr Lane proposals.

"A roundabout is not a viable solution for the junction of Carr Lane, New Street and Lewisham Road, due to its topography.

"However, work is scheduled to begin in October. These measures should address the issues that have been raised."

Last month the Examiner reported how Philip Marsden, of Slaithwaite, had been campaigning for two years to get a mini-roundabout installed at the junction of Carr Lane and Britannia Road.

The council's highways department said the work would be done before the end of this financial year in April.

Public consultations had taken place and a roundabout had been designed.