THE Government is being urged to intervene to save the historic Queensbury Tunnel from abandonment.

Bradford South MP Judith Cummins raised the issue yesterday, during a parliamentary debate on transport.

She said: "The last train ran through it in 1956, but there is an exciting local plan to transform the tunnel into a walking and cycling route.

"Unfortunately, Highways England has mismanaged the tunnel over several years now and is spending millions of pounds to pump out floodwater to prepare for the tunnel's abandonment.

"There is a widespread local and national opposition to this, with over 6,000 people objecting, with members from both sides of this house supporting the campaign to save it.

"Put simply, the Government has a choice. Either they can spend a significant amount of money to abandon the tunnel, destroying a historical asset, with no public benefit, or they can invest for the future, restoring the tunnel and transforming it into the centrepiece of a new walking and cycling route between Bradford and Halifax.

"I know the Secretary of State and other ministers in his department are aware of the situation.

"I would ask again that they commit to visiting the tunnel, but more importantly, work with myself and the local authority to get this situation resolved."

Early last month, Transport Secretary said the Government is "committed" to trying to find a viable way forward

“Of course maintaining public safety must come first, but I want all parties to work towards finding a viable solution. I will arrange to come and visit Queensbury Tunnel as soon as possible and ensure those discussions are progressing quickly," he said.

During the same debate, Mrs Cummins also called for significant transport investment into the North of England to end the “twin-track economy”.

She said: “What my constituents and people across the north want and need is fair funding to fix a creaking transport system.

“The north is a diverse and complex place, but the Government are apparently reluctant or unable to invest in its infrastructure at the same levels as in other parts of the country, which has undoubtedly led to a twin-track economy.

“That needs to end, and it needs to end now.”

She called on the Government to commit to Northern Powerhouse Rail, with a city centre stop in Bradford.