There is, at best, a degree of scepticism over the benefits the HS2 rail link will bring to the Bradford district.

That is why news of the takeover of the East Coast rail franchise by the Inter City Railways consortium represents, on the face of it, good news.

The group – which involves Virgin Group and transport company Stagecoach ¬– has pledged to increase the number of direct services between Bradford and London.

The district has long suffered for the historic failure to properly connect the city to the national rail network.

The proposals by the new franchisees should mean better and faster routes to the capital, and that could make a huge difference to the economy.

We have been told how northern cities like Bradford are going to become powerhouses as the economy revives, but to do that, the district needs a much better transport infrastructure.

These new services will undoubtedly improve that.

But one thing must be made very clear from the outset.

Inter City Railways need to make sure these connections work for rail users, and offer a faster, more direct service, and are not taking some circuitous route to reach their destination.

It is also important that the trains - and the stations – are upgraded in keeping with the increased number of services.

If the new franchise holder can achieve both of these goals, then it should mean less crowded, more comfortable and reduced travel time journeys to London, and that is good news for all passengers, whether they are travelling for business or pleasure.