Sunrise Gold

Bradford council request for Highways England to stop work on abandoned railway tunnel

Wednesday, 30 October 2019 10:36

The government has been asked to intervene to cease work on the abandoned Queensbury Tunnel in Bradford.

The ongoing work carried out by Highways England to fill in and seal an air shaft in the tunnel could stop plans for the development of what would become Europe's longest underground cycleway.

The 1.4 mile abandoned railway tunnel dates back to the Victorian era, and its conversion into a cycle track between Bradford and Halifax has been hailed as a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to preserve what could become a major attraction to the region.

Last week, Highways England's contractor moved on to the site and began filling in one of its air shafts, with the government owned company stating that "any reopening is now going to be more challenging" as a result of their work.

Bradford Council has revealed the current planning application to fill and seal the tunnel has received more than 4,000 objections, and Susan Hinchcliffe - the leader of Bradford Council leader - has asked Grant Shapps MP to help stop work on the tunnel.

In the letter, she wrote: "We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to save this unique asset of our Victorian industrial heritage and restore it as part of a nationally recognised cycleway that will become a national visitor attraction in its own right."

More from Local and National News

Three Men Jailed Over UK’s Largest Illegal Phone Smuggling Network

Three men have been jailed for a combined 25 years for their roles in an organised crime operation believed to have exported around 40,000 stolen mobile phones from the UK to China.
Piccadilly Gardens Transformation Approved with Work to Start This Autumn

Plans to transform Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens have been approved, paving the way for major works to begin in November and create a greener, safer and more family-friendly city centre space.
Four Keighley Shops to Appeal Alcohol Licence Bans

Four Keighley town centre shops will be able to continue selling alcohol until February while they appeal decisions to revoke their licences following concerns over illegal goods and alleged criminal activity.
Fresh Concerns Raised Over Proposed Night Flight Rules at Leeds Bradford Airport

Campaigners and local councillors have raised concerns over proposed changes to night-time flying restrictions at Leeds Bradford Airport, while the airport says its plans would maintain existing noise limits.
Murder Investigation Launched After Death of 52-Year-Old Man in Rochdale

Two men have been arrested after a 52-year-old man died following an alleged assault in Rochdale town centre in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Leeds Christmas Market to Return with New Yorkshire Twist

Leeds city centre is set for a festive transformation this November, with a revamped Christmas market showcasing Yorkshire traders alongside the return of Ice Cube at Christmas.
Barnsley Man Jailed After Shop Worker Stabbed During £50 Robbery

A Barnsley man has been jailed after a shop worker was stabbed more than 20 times during a robbery in which around £50 was stolen.
Bradford Driver Jailed After Nitrous Oxide-Fuelled Crash Leaves Woman Seriously Injured

A Bradford man has been jailed after driving while under the influence of nitrous oxide and crashing into multiple vehicles on Halifax Road, leaving a woman seriously injured.
Three Charged After £10m Ketamine Seizure in West Yorkshire Village

Three men have been charged after police recovered around 500kg of ketamine in Upton, Pontefract, in what is believed to be the UK’s second-largest single seizure of the drug.
Volkswagen Seized After Driver Claims He Was Trying to Clear Diesel Filter

Police have seized a Volkswagen after officers say it was spotted weaving through traffic and accelerating aggressively on Senior Way in Bradford city centre.
Police Appeal After Man Found Seriously Injured in Manchester’s Chinatown

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and footage after a man was found with serious injuries near the Pagoda in Manchester’s Chinatown in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Man Dies Following Welfare Incident in Central Milton Keynes

Police say a man has died following an emergency services response on Midsummer Boulevard in Central Milton Keynes, with his death being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.

Bollywood Mix 11:20am - 2:00pm

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.