LABOUR’S candidate for the Ilkley ward in May’s elections, George Scaife, has criticised the axing of the 62 bus from Keighley and Ilkley to Leeds Bradford Airport.

The service, operated by Transdev, will run for the last time on Saturday February 20.

Mr Scaife said: “One of the conditions of the planning permission is that the airport work with their official public transport partner, Transdev, to achieve a 10 per cent increase in people arriving for flights by bus. Cutting off the bus service to some of the towns and villages near the airport is not a good start in achieving this ambition.”

“The fact that a 24-hour bus service to Leeds City Centre is promised from the aerodrome is of little benefit to businesses and holiday travellers in Keighley and Ilkley. Rather than cutting the 62, Transdev and the Airport should be extending the timetable to include more travel; for instance, in the evening and on Sundays when many flights depart and arrive."