CAMPAIGNERS fighting to bring high-speed rail to Bradford are urging people to share their views as they continue to push the case for a city centre station on the Northern Powerhouse Rail line.

Last month saw the launch of Transport for the North’s (TfN) draft Strategic Transport Plan, which proposes a new line connecting Manchester and Leeds via Bradford.

The announcement marked a significant milestone for Next Stop Bradford, a cross-party campaign by political and business leaders - but the group has warned the proposals are “not a done deal”.

Speaking after the plans were revealed, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council leader, said Bradford’s inclusion on the line would bring a huge jobs boost, investment and would open up new opportunities for young people.

But she said it was important to keep pushing for the station to be located in the city centre.

The group is now calling for people to share their views in Transport for the North’s consultation to make this plan a reality.

“It’s important to remember that this is not a done deal," Next Stop Bradford said.

“Northern Powerhouse Rail is being developed as part of the TfN’s Long Term Rail Strategy that will be delivered in phases, and is likely to require a number of years of further planning before being given the final go ahead.

“The draft Strategic Transport Plan does not contain a firm commitment on whether the Bradford stop will take the form of a city centre station or a parkway station. At Next Stop Bradford we strongly believe that the investment should be made in the city centre, where the benefits will be felt by the greatest number of people.

“We ask supporters of Next Stop Bradford to make their voice heard by taking part in the TfN consultation to ensure this vital opportunity for Bradford is not missed.”

Views from the consultation, which will run until April 17, will inform the creation of the Strategic Outline Business Case for Northern Powerhouse Rail, which will be released by the Department for Transport and TfN by the end of the year.

To take part, visit transportforthenorth.com/stp/.

A consultation event will also be held in Bradford on February 21.

The event will run between 4pm and 7pm at Bradford College's Advanced Technology Centre, Randall Well Street.

There will be presentations from a TfN representative and a question and answer session, as well as a drop-in question and answer session. For further details and to register interest, visit transportforthenorth.com/calendar/stp-bradford.