IT’S probably fair to say that Bradford, Leeds, Huddersfield and Halifax haven’t always read from the same script in the past.

Indeed, the West Yorkshire quartet have, at times, been viewed as rivals in terms of industry, civic pride and the scramble to attract Government funding for improved infrastructure.

But there are some clear signs that we are living in changing times.

Yesterday, the chief executive of Leeds City Council spoke of ‘unprecedented collaboration and consensus between Leeds and Bradford’ on the campaign to secure a station in Bradford on the high-speed rail line.

And he pointed out that, while Calderdale and Kirklees might historically have started their own campaigns to rival Bradford, this hadn’t happened on this occasion.

Clearly, in cases like this, there’s a lot to be said for neighbouring parts of West Yorkshire getting their heads together and using their combined might to provide a united voice.

At the same time, it’s vital that Bradford remains sufficiently distinct from its neighbours, retaining its own unique identity and an ability to stick up for itself and go it alone when the need arises.

However, if partnership working with neighbours in the Leeds City Region can attract investment that would otherwise have gone to other regions of the UK, there has to be some logic in seeing the bigger picture.

The case for a high-speed rail station in Bradford is on the right track and gathering pace. Let’s hope Manchester and Liverpool will also jump on board!