CONCERNS abut link road proposals to Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) were outlined to transport minister Andrew Jones during a meeting with a Wharfedale MP and councillors.

Horsforth and Aireborough MP Stuart Andrew raised issues about the three proposals – ranging in cost from £15 million to £75 million – when he met Mr Jones along with Rawdon parish councillors Dawn Collins, Neil Hunt and John Davies.

Leeds City Council (LCC) is consulting on a road link to the airport, but the three options put forward have caused concern among many residents.

The minister was told the options were not a comprehensive enough approach, and that the construction of a link road would result in urban sprawl. He also heard the airport had lost out on inward investment due to the lack of a rail link.

Mr Jones stressed the need to make sure the business case for a rail link is as strong as possible, and agreed to meet with Mr Andrew again to discuss the matter further.

Mr Andrew, who has consistently argued for a rail link, said: "If we are going to cope with future passenger numbers on the roads and at the airport, we need an alternative way to get there. For me, that means a rail link.

"The airport is already one of the fastest growing in the country, and it still has ambitious plans for growth, which need to be matched with equally ambitious connectivity plans. The proposals, in their current form, cause me some concern in terms of the effect they will have on the greenbelt and congestion on our already busy roads. The council itself has admitted that if either of the first two options are chosen, the new road will pass through greenbelt land and a special landscape area.

"What is needed is a proper, comprehensive review of traffic in our area that includes a serious look at a rail link now, not in the future. I know the council has not completely ruled out a rail link, so I would urge everyone to contact the council to make their views known on this important issue."

LCC says it is examining the possibility of a rail link in the long term in connection with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and LBA.

Rawdon residents are being invited to a public meeting about the link road consultation taking place at Greenacre Hall at 4pm on Sunday.