16.05.16
WYCA to invest Leeds trolleybus money in rail after McLoughlin blocks proposals
The money earmarked to build a new trolleybus system in Leeds will be reinvested in transport in the region, including rail, after permission for the scheme was denied.
Patrick McLoughlin, the transport secretary, denied approval for the scheme, ruling that on the basis of a public inquiry conducted in 2014, the scheme did not offer value for money and would cause too much environmental disruption.
However, Cllr Keith Wakefield, chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) transport committee said that the £173.5m intended to pay for the scheme has been ring-fenced for transport improvements in Leeds.
These improvements could include building on existing rail upgrades in Leeds, such as the new Apperley Bridge rail station and Leeds Station Southern Entrance, as well as the forthcoming Kirkstall Forge and Low Moor stations.
Cllr Wakefield said that the WYCA also now wanted to work with the government to develop a fully integrated tram-train system for Leeds.
Cllr Peter Box, chair of the combined authority, said: “We need to be able to press ahead with the development of a metro-style system with integrated rail, tram train and light rail, bus, cycling and walking networks designed to meet local people’s needs and underpin the economic growth and job creation across the City Region.
“We have the ambition and the ability to achieve this but unless we get the government’s backing, today will be remembered as a bad day for Leeds, West Yorkshire and the Leeds City Region and also for the idea of a Northern Powerhouse.”
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