Alex Cann

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Alex Warren

Passenger

Listen Live Podcasts

Calls grow for progress on Skipton-Colne rail line reopening

Wednesday, 29 July 2026 08:06

By By Local Democracy Reporter, Chris Young

Northern Rail.

Fresh calls have been made for the reopening of the Skipton-Colne railway line, with a senior Bradford councillor describing the project as a potential boost for transport, education and the local economy.

The issue was raised at a meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's Weaver Network Board, where Councillor Andrew Judson, Deputy Leader of Bradford Council and councillor for Keighley West, asked whether the authority continued to support the long-running campaign to restore the rail connection.

The 12-mile railway between Skipton and Colne closed in 1970.

Campaign group Skipton and East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership (SELRAP) has continued to campaign for its reopening, arguing it would improve connectivity between Yorkshire and Lancashire while delivering economic benefits to communities on both sides of the Pennines.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Judson said:

"For Keighley and Bradford and for the universities, getting that line open and getting the people from those areas from Manchester, they can come round the top way and get to us easier.

"For Bradford and Keighley instead of going across and getting stuck in the traffic jam as it were, they can go round and have another direct link to Manchester.

"I personally think as a link that is a very important thing to go forward."

The reopening of the Skipton-Colne line has been the subject of campaigning for many years, with supporters arguing it would strengthen rail connections across the North, improve access between Yorkshire and Lancashire, and support economic growth.

No timescale has been announced for the project, with funding remaining one of the key challenges to delivering the scheme.

More from Local news

New road signs warn of wildfire risk across North Yorkshire

New roadside warning signs are being installed across North Yorkshire to remind people of the dangers of lighting campfires and disposable barbecues in the countryside.
Skipton MP meets with Bizzie Lizzie's to discuss challenges facing hospitality businesses

Skipton and Ripon MP Sir Julian Smith has visited Bizzie Lizzie's in Skipton to hear about the challenges currently facing businesses in the hospitality sector.
Police appeal after more than £200 worth of goods stolen from Skipton store

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for information following a shop theft at The Range in Skipton.
Skipton prepares for Yorkshire Day celebrations this weekend

Skipton is getting ready to celebrate Yorkshire Day this weekend, with a packed programme of free entertainment, family activities and community events taking place across the town.
Channel 4 star added to lineup for Skipton Pride

Skipton Pride have announced a guest speaker to be added to their line-up.
Craven Lawn Tennis Club celebrates President's Day champions in Gargrave

Craven Lawn Tennis Club in Gargrave has crowned its President's Day champions following a closely contested annual competition.
Upcoming rail engineering work to shut lines between Bradford and Shipley for three days

Rail engineering work between Bradford Forster Square and Shipley will close all lines between the two from Saturday, 1st August 2026, for three days.
Skipton MP opposes plans for 1,250-person asylum centre

Skipton MP Sir Julian Smith has joined fellow MPs in opposing Government plans to accommodate up to 1,250 asylum seekers at the former RAF Linton-on-Ouse site.
Hardware store in Silsden raises money for Manorlands Hospice

A simple fundraising idea at a Silsden hardware shop is helping to raise money for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice while giving old tennis balls a new lease of life.
Silsden Proms on the Farm raises £6,000 for local charities

More than 400 people gathered on the banks of the River Aire earlier this month for another hugely successful Silsden Proms on the Farm event, raising an incredible £6,000 for local charities.
Councillor to 'brave the shave' after wife's devastating cancer diagnosis

A bearded councillor is preparing to shave off his hair for Macmillan Cancer Support following his wife’s devastating cancer diagnosis.
Skipton apprentice recognised at Yorkshire agricultural awards

A Skipton apprentice has been recognised for his achievements after receiving an award celebrating emerging talent in the farming industry.
Nearly 200 drink and drug driving arrests made across North Yorkshire in five-week police operation

Nearly 200 people were arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving across York and North Yorkshire during a five-week police operation.
Skipton MP meets North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable to discuss policing priorities

Skipton and Ripon MP Sir Julian Smith has met with North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Tim Forber to discuss policing priorities and the challenges facing communities across the county.
Boutique Olé in Silsden closes its doors

An independent boutique in Silsden is preparing to close after clearing much of its shop stock and fittings.
Glistenbury Festival to return to Glusburn this August in support of hospice charity

A popular charity music festival is set to return to Glusburn this summer, bringing together live entertainment, family activities and fundraising for a local cause.
Skipton Cricket Club aims for Dubai tournament this November

Skipton Cricket Club is hoping to take one of its senior teams to an international tournament in Dubai later this year.
Silsden Town Hall seeks new trustees to help shape its future

Silsden Town Hall is looking to expand its board of trustees as it continues its work supporting the local community and planning for the future.
Skipton Golf Club launches new initiative to encourage more women into the sport

Skipton Golf Club has been selected as a pilot club for a new England Golf initiative designed to encourage more women under the age of 50 to take up golf.
Official date revealed for Skipton Christmas Market

The dates have been revealed for this year's Skipton Christmas Market.