Transport minister Phil Hammond has been criticised for delaying talks on a proposed new railway station in Bradford and transport improvements across West Yorkshire.

Plans have already been approved to build a new station at Apperley Bridge, but the project could face the axe amid the Government’s public spending cuts.

It is part of a £14million package including a new rail station to serve a huge development at Kirkstall Forge on the Shipley to Leeds line.

In all Metro, the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority, is looking to spend about £300million on major projects in the county. But all the proposed schemes, including the new train stations, have been put on hold until the outcome of a Government spending review in October.

Bradford Councillor and Metro chairman Chris Greaves had arranged to meet Mr Hammond this month, but that has now been delayed until the end of September.

Coun Greaves criticised the postponement, claiming transport ministers are unaware of the vital need for transport improvements in West Yorkshire.

He said: “I really think these southern MPs, including Mr Hammond, don’t have a clue about real life up here – everything is so London-centric. I wish he would visit this area during rush-hour to see just how different it is.

“All our local MPs are being supportive, which helps and we have got to keep pushing on.”

Coun Greaves said roads between Bradford and Leeds were already “jammed to bursting” and stations are needed on the Shipley-Leeds line before traffic grinds to a halt.

However, he said Government transport ministers were more prepared to spend £16billion on London’s cross rail and millions on improving Bond Street station for shoppers in the capital, rather than on schemes in West Yorkshire.

Until a decision is made, Metro is continuing to lobby the Government to commit funding to the Shipley-Leeds scheme, which already has the promise of £4m funding from developers building homes at Kirkstall Forge.

Coun Greaves said: “We have stopped spending and we are now arguing the case for our capital programme on various levels. Everything in the programme has gone through the Department for Transport (DfT) vetting system and has proved to be value for money.

“If there are cuts, the Government should look at value for money on the projects we have. It should not be a percentage across the board.”