BRADFORD Council's leader has told of her concern at the ongoing closure of the bus station at Bradford Interchange - and ordered an "urgent" report on the matter.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) - which runs Bradford Interchange - announced on January 4 that the bus station would shut following "some damage believed to be linked to the recent extreme weather".
Just over a week later, on January 12, contractors started work to ascertain the extent of the damage and what remedial works were required.
At the time, WYCA said these surveys could take "several weeks" to complete and the bus station would remain closed throughout this period.
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council and also chair of WYCA's Transport Committee, told the Telegraph & Argus: "This matter is urgent.
"Commuters have been massively inconvenienced during this time.
"I've spoken to the Mayor (Tracy Brabin) and she and I have tasked officers in WYCA to work quickly to assess the extent of the damage.
"I've been given assurances by WYCA that they are making this a top priority and are focussing all senior staff time on resolving it.
"I've asked for an urgent paper to come to the West Yorkshire Transport Committee next week to make sure that councillors across West Yorkshire are able to scrutinise the steps taken so far.
"Bradford is a hub for the whole of West Yorkshire so they rightly will share my concern."
The Telegraph & Argus asked WYCA if it wanted to respond to Cllr Hinchcliffe's comments.
We asked WYCA if the surveys into the damage had been completed yet - and if so, what they had found.
We also asked WYCA when, at this stage, it expected the surveys to be completed if they had not yet been completed.
In response, a WYCA spokesperson said: "We're working continuously with partners at Bradford Council to minimise disruption to the public and have kept all buses running from alternative stops.
"Public safety is our top priority and we will not open the bus station until it is safe to do so."
Earlier this week, a WYCA spokesperson said: "Contractors have started work on-site to establish the extent of the damage and what remedial works are required before it can be safely reopened.
"It is anticipated that these surveys could take several weeks to complete and the bus station will remain closed throughout this period."
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