AN END to traffic chaos caused by a collapsed wall in Shipley is in sight after landowner Network Rail agreed to step in to rebuild it if the company which rents the site fails to do so.

In January, a boundary wall in Otley Road tumbled on to land owned by Network Rail but which it lets to DB Schenker Rail (UK) which in turn sublets to to recycling business Crossley Evans Ltd.

Drivers' problems began when Bradford Council made the area safe by blocking off the nearside lane of the Bradford-bound dual carriageway.

Network Rail, DB Schenker and Crossley Evans have disputed who is responsible for any repairs.

Bradford Council then began legal action to make Network Rail mend the wall.

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But it was after Shipley MP Philip Davies demanded Transport Minister Patrick McLoughlin step in that Network Rail sent him a pledge it would to do the work, while maintaining responsibility lies with DB Schenker and, in turn, with Crossley Evans.

It wrote to Mr Davies saying: "I am sure that you will be pleased to hear that Network Rail is to progress the repair work on this wall and will seek to recoup costs from other parties in due course."

Mr Davies said he was pleased - although it is understood that for legal reasons, work will not start before the end of July.

“I am frustrated that Network Rail is still finding reasons why the work has to be delayed, but am delighted that my lobbying of the Secretary of State for Transport has worked," he said.

"There is now light at the end of the tunnel.

"I expect Network Rail to carry out the wishes of the Minister and get this sorted out as soon as possible to end the inconvenience that my constituents have faced for far too long.”

Councillor Kevin Warnes (Green, Shipley) said he stood "shoulder to shoulder" with Mr Davies over the issue and praised him for helping put pressure on Network Rail.

"Philip has done a great job, but also the Council deserves praise for stepping forward and starting legal action," he said.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "Network Rail considers the responsibility to fix the wall lies with its tenant DB Schenker Rail (UK) and its subtenant Crossley Evans, which is currently occupying the land.

"Network Rail, as the landowner, has set Crossley Evans a firm deadline by which it must remedy this.

"If Crossley Evans fails to meet its obligations, Network Rail has reserved the right to step in and restore the wall once the deadline has passed."

Matthew Evans, business manager at Crossley Evans, last night insisted there was shared responsibility for the problem.

"It involves all parties, including the Council, and needs more consultation," he said.

DB Schenker also maintains it has requested Crossley Evans remedies the situation.