Bradfordians have given their backing to our campaign to save Bradford's classic buses.

In a straw poll, many Bradford people - particularly those old enough to recall trolley buses on the city streets - endorsed the Telegraph & Argus Save Our Classic Buses campaign.

They say the old vehicles currently stored at the city's troubled Transperience complex were an important part of Bradford's heritage and should be retained.

The T&A launched the campaign on Friday after it emerged that the 17-strong collection could be sold off to meet Transperience's £1 million debt.

Pensioner Norman Frost, of Shipley, said that it would be a great shame to let the vehicles go. "I have many fond memories about the trolley buses," he said.

"I would like to know that they are being kept in the city where they came from.

"It's nice for people to be able to go and see them and remember the old days." Marian Finbow, who is retired and lives in Shipley, said: "A lot of people my age can remember the trolley buses and it would be sad for us if they were sold to someone miles away.

"It's also nice for young people to see them and learn about how the city used to be."

Norman Chupp, 75, of Little Horton, said he could recall the very first trolley buses in the city.

"The first ones used to go up Rooley Lane and they were wonderful things," he said. "Even in snow or fog they used to still run and they were a better transport system than anywhere else at the time.

"I've been to Transperience to have a look at them and I think they should definitely be kept in the city for future generations to see."

His wife Anne Chupp, 72, said that she backed the campaign to save the vintage collection.

"It would be a real tragedy if they were taken away from the area," she said. "So many people remember them and they're part of the city's history."

Some of the vehicles currently at the Low Moor park include a Bradford trolley bus which was the last bus to be used in the country and a Bristol Fox's old bus dating back from 1936.

Pensioner Stanley Allan Bailes from Barkerend said the campaign was a good idea.

"It is a nice idea but I don't think that many younger people would find them very relevant today," he said.

"There is also the question of money as it would cost a lot to keep them."

Adam Porter, 18, a painter and decorator of Woodside, Bradford, said: "I think it would be sad for a lot of older people if the buses were taken away from the region. I don't remember them - but a lot of people do."

David Holdroyd, 24, a joiner of Wyke, said that many young people didn't know much about the buses.

"I have never been to Transperience or seen the buses but it would probably mean more to the older generation," he said.

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