An eastern relief road - long-touted as a possible solution to Keighley's traffic turmoil - would be hugely expensive and destroy prized woodland, a public meeting heard.

The well-attended meeting - at Long Lee Village Hall - was the second organised by Liberal Democrat Judith Brooksbank, a Keighley town councillor.

It was held as part of a "Don't Axe Park Wood" campaign, opposing the idea of building a road through the wooded area.

Councillor Brooksbank gave a presentation about the wood and its importance to Keighley.

And Roger Beaumont, chairman of Keighley Liberal Democrats, explained how a "loop road" around Keighley would alleviate traffic problems and make the eastern relief route unnecessary.

The meeting heard that present levels of transport were unsustainable because of ever-increasing oil prices and that oil was becoming a scarce resource and economically not viable.

Cllr Graham Mitchell, chairman of the town council's watch and transport committee, said it was trying to put in place a realistic plan to use the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway for everyday commuter transport.

It was claimed that parking in Keighley impeded traffic movement and that if motorists were banned from parking in streets such as East Parade, vehicle flows would be improved.

But Cllr Mitchell said he had already raised the issue with Keighley Area Panel and it had rejected the idea. It was also suggested that Damside car park could be brought back into use and a minibus park and ride service be introduced.