STACKS of objections are flooding in against plans to seal the historic Queensbury Tunnel up - just one day after the application was officially lodged.

It was the moment campaigners, galvanised by the Queensbury Tunnel Society (QTS), had been waiting for and they are now determined their voices will be heard to ensure its future can be safeguarded.

The planning application marks a major juncture in the long-running saga over the tunnel and QTS have urged people to gear up for the “battle ahead”.

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The group has been trying to prevent Highways England filling in the Victorian structure in order to secure its future as the centrepiece of a cycle path network connecting Halifax to Bradford and Keighley.

But Highways England has said work to close the runnel needs to be undertaken as soon as possible. QTS say the cycle route plan offers high value for money, with £2.31 returned for every £1 invested.

"In contrast, abandonment is likely to cost around £5 million and offer absolutely no benefit," said society leader Norah McWilliam.

Matthew Ayrton wrote on the planning site: "The abandonment of this tunnel is simply the wrong choice. In a climate where cycling walking and other forms of exercise are to be promoted to reduce the financial and environmental strain on local communities.

"There is clear and substantial evidence that of the sustained physical and mental health benefits from utilising outdoor space and activities."

He said abandonment would be a "misguided decision" and an opportunity for future generations would be lost forever.

While Clare Drury wrote: "Good use could be made of this tunnel. It could be an asset to the community and once filled in will be lost forever. There is not enough reliable evidence that the infilling of the tunnel is the best course of action."

Michael Harland added: This tunnel would become one of the largest attractions in the county, linked with the KWVR (Keighley & Worth Valley Railway).The expansion and tourist opportunities are endless."

While Hayley Sykes wrote: "I think these kind of opportunities come up once in a lifetime, to change the nature of this tunnel for generations to come, another tourist attraction to showcase the hard work and engineering skills shown by those men so long ago, some of which lost their lives on the job.

"The next generation can admire and utilise the tunnel for walking and cycling and it will form an important part of the landscape and area, what a waste to seal it off and make it something forgotten? Please help to preserve it for us and all the potential visitors."

Bradford Council said the application will be processed in accordance with the laws and policies it follows, but said: "Independent of that process, as approved by the Council’s Executive Committee we believe the tunnel can still form part of a Bradford to Halifax greenway and are putting the finishing touches to an advocacy document that makes the case for this transformational investment. We have requested a meeting with Highways England to discuss next steps and will continue to make the case that a pause on any proposed sealing of the tunnel should take place while potential funding opportunities are explored.”

Search 19/02242/MAF on planning.bradford.gov.uk to comment.