TWO Bradford MPs have given their support to a bid to move Channel 4 to Bradford and West Yorkshire.

The proposal, which is being submitted by media investment business Screen Yorkshire, aims to move Channel 4’s offices and studios to the Leeds City Region.

It would see the television channel based in Leeds, with a training centre in Bradford, and other works taking place across Yorkshire in places including Calderdale, York and Harrogate.

The public consultation on the move of Channel 4 closes at 5pm on Wednesday, July 5, and Rachel McWatt, from Screen Yorkshire, is encouraging people in Bradford to submit their backing of the Leeds City Region bid to the consultation before its deadline.

As Channel 4 is owned by the government, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport will then make a decision on the future of the network.

Ms McWatt, said Yorkshire’s “heritage in television production” is one of a number of reasons why Channel 4 should move to the county.

She said: “ITV used to have a strong presence here and that has left a lot of talented crews, along with other independent companies.

“Some of the best TV shows, including Channel 4’s National Treasure have been filmed in Yorkshire, and we are really fighting to bring Channel 4 here.

“There has also been a lack of investment in the east of the country, with activity going on in Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester and Birmingham.

“The east has not been getting representation and it’s important the whole of the north is represented, especially with the Government’s Northern Powerhouse, and we want this to be an opportunity to turn the tide.”

Shipley MP Philip Davies also said moving to West Yorkshire would give its staff a “more balanced view of the country”.

“It will give them a better perspective on life,” he added.

“It will also help stimulate the entrepreneurial and creative industries here in Bradford.

"It will not only bring high skilled, well paid jobs, but also increased economic activity.

"We have the National Science and Media Museum and the potential to be a very effective media hub, and I have no doubt Bradford has the talent."

Mr Davies also said all of Bradford's MPs need to unite in support of the bid.

"I have always worked on a cross-party basis, it is crucial in Bradford, and I am pretty sure all five MPs will be as one on this and will work together to get the best result."

Keighley's John Grogan has given the bid his support, and said having a training academy in Bradford would help "diversify the people who go into broadcasting".

He said: "I think the Government will move Channel 4 out of London, and Leeds City Region is the perfect place.

"We have lots of strong independent companies and heritage in Yorkshire.

"Channel 4's remit is innovation and as the youngest city in the country I think Bradford has something to offer.

"Leeds has the heritage in broadcasting and Bradford is a very diverse city and both have thriving media scenes, and this could be a chance for Leeds and Bradford to work together on this.

"I have also been pushing for the location of the academy to be in Keighley, in a town rather that in the city but still part of the Bradford district."

Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin has also given her support to the bid.

She said: "A great boost to Yorkshire’s creative industries would be if Channel 4 moved its headquarters to the region.

"There are some excellent creative companies in Yorkshire leading the way and creating life changing job opportunities for thousands of people, with support these companies can continue to thrive and deliver world-class products in Yorkshire."