AN MP has urged the government to step in to ensure the Shipley Eastern Bypass goes ahead - as it is "vital" for the local economy.

Conservative MP Philip Davies said West Yorkshire Combined Authority was spending too much money on projects in its Labour heartlands, and his Shipley constituents were missing out.

Speaking in the Commons during transport questions, Mr Davies said: "The Shipley Eastern Bypass is vital for my local economy. What can the minister do to make sure the Government money is spent in areas in Shipley as well as Labour heartlands and if he cannot persuade them to do that will he directly fund the Shipley Eastern Bypass my constituents desperately need?”

Mr Davies has long campaigned for the scheme and called on the government to abandon its High Speed Rail project.

Transport minister Robert Goodwill said: "One of the important changes that has happened since we have moved from the regional development agencies to having the local enterprise partnerships being involved, is that the business and economic considerations are considered more than some local political objectives."

Mr Davies said his constituents were not getting a fair share of cash despite the changes.

He added: "I will keep fighting to get the bypass which my area needs. Money is available but its fate lies with Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authorities, both of which are Labour-led organisations. Money allocated to the region should benefit the entire district and region."