SCRAPPING HS2 would 'free up millions of pounds' for much-needed infrastructure projects across West Yorkshire, according to a Shipley MP.

Philip Davies has branded the controversial project a “catastrophic waste of money” and feels the cash would be better spent on Northern Powerhouse Rail -also known as HS3.

Speaking in Transport Questions, Mr Davies demanded a timetable for the HS3 route and added: “If the government was to scrap HS2 which everyone knows is a catastrophic waste of money, it would have a significant amount of money available for infrastructure in West Yorkshire and across the North.

“What we need in West Yorkshire and the North is better infrastructure in the North and across the north. Northern Powerhouse Rail known as HS3 is much more important to us than HS2. When is the government intended timetable for completing Northern Powerhouse Rail and can government guarantee that Bradford will have a city centre stop on that route?”

Mr Davies has put pressure Government over the years on whether Bradford will be included on the route and was given a strong hint last year it would be the case.

Transport Minister Chris Heaton-Harris responded: “Government that is spending a huge amount of money on improving infrastructure in the North. He (Mr Davies) will see lots of improvements in the Bradford area and the area he represents. HS2 and various bits of infrastructure are not an either or these are additional investments that we are making to our infrastructure.”

Mr Davies believes improving transport services will not only tackle congestion but boost the local economy.

Mr Davies added: “Bradford must have a station stop on the route and should not miss out to Leeds as it always does. Time and time again people throw money at Leeds at the expense of Bradford and other parts of West Yorkshire.

“My constituents want this station stop and they deserve better transport links and I will keep pushing for them. Local transport links are vital to our area and it was one of the platforms I stood on at the election. I am passionate about delivering a Shipley Eastern Bypass and improved rail services and I will keep demanding action from government until we get the improvements we need.”