Pair want Action on transport

From the archive, first published Wednesday 14th Feb 2007.

Two of the region's top MPs are pushing to form a coalition of businesses to seek a long-term solution for better transport in Airedale.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, Bradford Council's executive member for environment, and Philip Davies, MP, made the announcement to form Action Airedale following their meeting with the Minister for Transport last month.

Action Airedale will consist of businesses leaders and other interested groups who will lobby for a better transport system throughout the valley.

The Minister, Stephen Ladyman, made a pledge for the Department of Transport to work with Bradford Council to resolve the problems with the A650.

But Coun Hawkesworth emphasised that the need for major improvements to the whole of Airedale's transport network over the next 20 years is crucial to the expansion of the local economy.

Coun Hawkesworth said: "We need healthy businesses in Airedale if the District and the region are to punch their weight, but this will not happen without major investment in transport."

An inaugural meeting of Action Airedale will be organised in March.

The news comes as the Federation of Small Businesses prepares to begin questioning SMEs in Bradford over their opinions on how transport issues are affecting the district's economy.

A similar survey last year showed FSB members in Bradford had lost an average of 50 working hours a year due to traffic congestion - with 17 per cent losing more than 100 hours. A further third said transport problems cost them more than £1,000 in lost revenue.

This latest survey aims to find out what small businesses think of transport issues in the region and details of particular problems they face.

Small businesses are also being asked for their opinions of public transport, including trains, buses and flights, and what measures need to be taken to persuade them to use them more often.

Both initiatives come as the Government prepares to publish its Comprehensive Spending Review this year.

The findings could go towards part of a region-wide lobby for improved transport links around the district.