This week highways chief Mike Stringer showed Batley traders how a new traffic scheme could look.

It could involve a one-way system on Commercial Street between Wards Hill and Well Lane.

He said: "We have had lots of requests from the public about this. People find this junction difficult to cross.

"We want both traffic and pedestrians to move easily."

For more than three years highways officers have been trying to come up with the best solution to safety concerns at Wards Hill.

Efforts were stepped up after a pensioner was knocked down at the junction with Commercial Street 18 months ago.

But strong opposition from some traders last year forced officers to re-design a proposed traffic scheme for Wards Hill and Commercial Street.

Traders feared making the middle of Commercial Street into a one-way stretch would kill an already dying town centre.

On Tuesday four new options were put to the Batley Business and Retail Association.

Mr Stringer said: "We don't want to put anyone out of business but Kirklees' responsibility is to make sure it is safe for both cars and pedestrians to use.

"If I do nothing and something happens it will probably be me in the dock answering questions."

Mr Stringer recommended the one-way system as the best option, introducing three pedestrian crossings, which would be controlled together.

This option would minimise the waiting times for people, meaning impatient pedestrians were less likely to cross unsafely beforehand.
Crossings controlled separately or zebra crossings would bring congestion to the area.

But during the heated meeting the plans were blasted by some traders who insisted a one-way stretch would be detrimental to business.

One trader, who did not want to be named, asked why the pedestrian crossing already in Commercial Street was not enough. But most of the traders at the meeting agreed extra safety measures were urgently needed.

And Mr Stringer said the scheme had never been about drawing people into the town.

"This is primarily a safety issue, to help people cross," he said.
He added latest research showed the majority of traffic was already in the direction of Wards Hill to Hick Lane.

CCTV camera and manual counts were used to locate the busiest parts of the town centre.

The options will be put to the area committee and if one is chosen it will be advertised for the public to voice any objections. The council's cabinet could make the final decision.

Mr Stringer said: "I can't think of any objection that will stop this going ahead. It would have to be a very good reason not to do anything."