AN MP has urged the Treasury to find the money to ensure the Shipley Eastern Bypass goes ahead.

Shipley MP Philip Davies said the scheme would ease congestion, deal with harmful emissions caused by traffic queues from Baildon to Shipley and also strengthen the local economy.

Speaking in Treasury Questions in Parliament, he said: “One scheme that is very vital in my constituency for promoting economic growth is the Shipley Eastern Bypass.

"The Secretary of State for Transport has visited twice and has made it clear this is a scheme he supports and one that he would like to ensure is implemented.

"Will the Treasury make sure he has the funding in order to make sure the Shipley Eastern Bypass becomes a reality?”

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Robert Jenrick said: “He and I have discussed the Shipley Eastern Bypass on several occasions.

"We have put record money into our strategic roads network by hypothecating vehicle excise duty and the amount of money available for roads spend.

"There is two periods which will be almost 175 per cent of the previous period so a very substantial increase in investment in our roads.”

The case for the bypass was first mentioned in the Airedale Plan years ago.

Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority claimed Government criteria prevented the scheme going ahead.

Transport ministers denied the claims and repeatedly said they want the scheme to proceed, with Transport Secretary Mr Grayling saying he was “closely taking an interest in” the scheme.

Speaking after the exchange Mr Davies added: “Chris Grayling supports the scheme and other ministers from the Department for Transport have said they are fully aware of the benefits the scheme could bring.

"I will keep pushing the Treasury to find the money to make the bypass a reality.”