BRADFORD's rail stations should have been joined up years ago, a councillor told a transport meeting. 

Calderdale councillor Steven Leigh (Con, Ryburn) made the comments during the borough's Transport Forum. 

Those in attendance were discussing West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s (WYCA) Rail Strategy, which is out to consultation.

The meeting also heard that re-opening some lines which had been closed - but were still intact - could offer more options for Bradford.

Stephen Waring, of the Halifax and District Rail Action Group (HADRAG) discussed the ‘Crigglestone Curve’ near Wakefield, which closed in the 1980s.

“But it is still there and a direct route to Sheffield, you wouldn’t have to go to Leeds and not everybody wants or needs to go to Leeds,” he said.

Mr Waring said re-opening the curve would allow for a semi-fast Bradford to Sheffield service, operating using stations like Halifax, Brighouse, and, eventually, the new one at Elland when it opened.

He estimated Bradford to Sheffield could be done in about an hour and a quarter, from Halifax around an hour and Brighouse 55 minutes.

“You’d struggle to do that on the M1,” said Mr Waring.

Mick Sasse, WYCA’s rail officer, said the strategy needed to show how short and medium-term gains could fit in with long-term goals.

He added that done right, filling network ‘gaps’ like the Crigglestone Curve might play a part.

He cited Spen Valley as another example that would be more ambitious but have good short-term and better long-term benefits, helping reduce journey times for Bradford passengers.

He added that it was not just big cities in question, but it would open up things like people wanting to go from Mytholmroyd to Wakefield.

Speaking in the meeting, Cllr Leigh said Bradford Interchange and Forster Square should have been joined up years ago and it was still possible.

Regarding Spen Valley, he believed there had once been a plan to re-open the line – it could make a big difference and should be looked at as a priority.

Other issues debated by the forum included the still impending closure of station ticket offices – those speaking were against this happening, citing service and safety concerns.

They also contrasted services and funding services in the southeast of England received compared to areas like West Yorkshire.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, and Council leaders, say a lot also depends on national Government.