AN ILKLEY ward councillor and Bradford Conservative spokesman on transport has dubbed controversial plans for improving access to Leeds Bradford Airport an "expensive option".

Speaking out as Leeds City Council extended its consultation period on the proposals, Bradford councillor Martin Smith (Con, Ilkley) called on West Yorkshire transport bosses to pursue a tram/train solution instead.

The public are being asked for their views on three options to improve access to the airport, which is one of the fastest growing in the UK, used by 3.3 million passengers a year and which contributes more than £100 million annually to the city region economy.

Of the three proposed options for improving access, two would see the creation of a new link road from the A65 to the A658, while an alternative consists of upgrading existing junctions, with some localised road widening. The estimated costs range in price up to £75 million.

Cllr Smith is the Bradford Council Conservative group's spokesman on housing, planning and transport.

But he says other members of the group – including another of Ilkley's councillors and members representing Burley-in-Wharfedale and Menston – are in agreement.

In statement this week, Cllr Smith said: "With reference to the consultation for the airport link road, it is the view of the Conservative group on Bradford Council that the current three options are an expensive way to carry out an interim effort to gain greater access to the airport.

"The West Yorkshire Combined Authority should pursue the tram/train solution, with links at Guiseley for Bradford and from the Harrogate line for Leeds.

"As it is clear the combined authority wishes to spend a large sum of money for an interim solution rather then pursue with Network rail and the airport a joint funding option for the tram/train option, however, this needs to be moved quickly."

If they had to choose one of the three options, however, Cllr Smith said they would favour improvements to Harrogate Road.

He added: "If the tram/train is not a quick solution the options at present proposed – i.e. one of two new roads through greenbelt land or an improvement to Harrogate Road – Bradford Conservative group prefers the improvement of Harrogate Road, which would assist both Leeds and Bradford, as opposed to the link road schemes through green fields, which would only assist Leeds."

Visit http://www.leeds.gov.uk/residents/Pages/Airport-Link-Road.aspx for more information on the proposals plus consultation dates and venues.

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