Reopening a rail line between Colne and Skipton would benefit Bradford’s economy just as much as a new through rail line in the city centre – a Councillor has claimed.
Conservative Councillor Ralph Cohn, who represents the Airedale ward on Bradford Council, made the claim at a meeting of Bradford Council’s Executive.
He was criticising Bradford’s current transport priorities, claiming they focus too much on improving transport in and around the city centre, and not enough in towns and villages like Silsden and Cross Hills.
The Executive were given a report on the District’s Strategic Transport Priorities at a meeting last Tuesday.
The report touched on numerous transport schemes, from a new tram line between Bradford and Leeds to a proposed new through rail line and station in Bradford city centre.
Cllr Cohn, who won his seat in May’s local elections, was highly critical of the report.
He suggested that there should be more focus on transport in Bradford’s rural areas.
He also suggested that the opening of the rail line between Skipton, in North Yorkshire, and Colne, in Lancashire, would have just as significant an impact on the District as a new station and better rail links in Bradford city centre.
There have been numerous calls for the reopening of the line, including voices from the Bradford area who argue that it would provide a major boost to Keighley.
Referring to the Bradford focus, Cllr Cohn said:
“I am disappointed for residents of my ward and residents of Keighley and Ilkley.
“These strategic transport priorities do nothing for 29 per cent of our residents. It does nothing for residents who rely on rail services that don’t do via Bradford, or who want to cross roads safely.
“We may want to spend inane amounts on rail infrastructure on a station in Bradford that only benefits a third of our entire district, but the concern my residents have is the focus on the city of Bradford.
"They want services for themselves.
“We need to focus on economic and industrial growth, I don’t think what you are proposing is going to do that.
“Rebuilding and reopening the line to Colne would be the fraction of the cost of opening a through line station in Bradford, but would probably deliver a similar level of economic development.”
Dave Shephard, Director of Place at Bradford Council, said he would discuss the issues with Cllr Cohn, but added:
“These schemes would have wider benefits that would extend across the District.”
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