CHANGES are to take place next month on airport bus services which include timetable alterations to better suit flight times as well as shift patterns of airport employees.

The 737 and 747 services will be altered from October 25, meaning there will no longer be a direct link between Shipley and Harrogate, with the journey requiring a change at Leeds Bradford Airport instead.

The 737 service, which runs between Bradford, Shipley, Guiseley, Yeadon, Leeds Bradford Airport and Harrogate, will no longer run between the airport and Harrogate with the 747 taking over that section of the route. The 747 begins in Bradford and ends at the airport, taking in Apperley Bridge and Yeadon.

Run by Yorkshire Tiger the alterations are being made for commercial reasons.

Otley and Yeadon Liberal Democrat councillor Ryk Downes, is asking residents to contact him with their opinions about the changes affecting Yeadon.

Cllr Downes said: “This will be a big adjustment for residents and I would like to hear their views on the impending changes as there has been no public consultation.

“Although I have not yet received a copy of the proposed new timetables, I will try to keep residents informed of the changes and would urge residents who will be affected to keep their eyes peeled for any news to minimise any disruption they may face."

He added that there are set to be extra early morning journeys on the 757 airport service which runs from Leeds.

Councillor Martin Love (Green, Shipley) added that any changes to the services which will make them more convenient to passengers is to be welcomed.

But of the lack of a direct link from Shipley to Harrogate, he said: "As long as they timetable it right so people don't have to sit for three quarters of an hour at Leeds Bradford Airport before they can switch to the Harrogate service, then I don't think it will be too much of a problem.

"The bus company should ensure that people are made aware of the changes well in advance."

A spokesman for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: "Responding to timekeeping issues on services 737 and 747, which run between Bradford Interchange and Leeds Bradford International Airport, these services will change to improve their punctuality at the end of October when the Airport to Harrogate section of service 737 will be transferred to service 747.

"Through tickets will be available for passengers on service 737 travelling from Bradford, Shipley and Guiseley to Harrogate, while new links between Greengates, Apperley Bridge, Rawdon and Harrogate will be created on revised service 747. Service times will also be changed, to better suit flight times and Airport staff working hours.

"At the same time, service 947 from Bradford to Yeadon Westfield will be revised, to maintain the half-hourly frequency between Apperley Bridge and Bradford with service 747.

"Service X53, which provides a through bus from Guiseley to Harrogate via Otley and Weeton every two hours on Monday to Saturday daytimes, is unaffected."

New timetables will be available from next month.