HUGE swathes of unspoilt greenbelt land will be seriously damaged and traffic congestion exacerbated if a proposed link road for Leeds Bradford Airport is built, according to campaigners.

Protestors say a link route running from the A65 in Rawdon will not serve any beneficial purpose, arguing the case for building it has not been made.

Now they are urging people to visit and sign up to saveleedsgrenbelt.com, a new website set up to protect green space around the city.

Leeds City Council is working with LBA and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to take the link road proposal forward.

The council has stressed no final route has been chosen and that the issue will go out for full consultation.

But campaigners are gearing up to fight the proposal.

Rawdon Greenbelt Action Group spokesman, Briony Sloan, said: "We cannot see any benefit of having a supposed 'link road' running from the notoriously congested A65 – opposite Rawdon Crematorium – through unspoilt greenbelt, up to the airport.

"It is of our opinion, and that of local people who have spoken to us about this, it wouldn't serve any beneficial purpose. It would make more sense to spend the money more wisely elsewhere – improving the existing roads already leading to the airport would be a very good start."

She added: "We've heard some people think it would reduce the volume of traffic through Aireborough, but how? Where is the evidence? And even if that were the case, it would probably re-direct traffic right to the most congested spot of the entire A65, that between the crematorium and Horsforth roundabout."

Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum chairman, Jennifer Kirkby, said: "A case to support the building of this road through a large part of this greenbelt has not been made. I cannot see how the area would benefit from having this road, nor how traffic through Aireborough would be relieved.

"Can the council provide the evidence to support its purpose? This greenbelt ensures Rawdon and Horsforth both retain their own special character and individuality. Swathes of greenbelt – giving Aireborough its defining special landscape character – are under serious threat."

She added: "A train line would seem like the most appropriate way to deal with increased traffic to the airport, if it is to expand, and if the HS2 is going ahead."

A Leeds City Council spokesman said: “The proposed link road has been agreed as part of the West Yorkshire Transport Fund, as it's needed to improve access alongside other improvements to shift people to public transport.

"All options are being looked at for the route, including upgrading the A65 and B6152. We want to bring about the maximum benefits for the airport and local communities in an ambitious but sustainable way. We’ll consult formally at an appropriate time and look forward to hearing a range of views.”

A report to the council's executive committee this month described the airport as a huge asset, which supported more than 2,600

jobs and contributed in excess of £100 million to the city region economy.

As well as the proposed link road, the council and the airport are hoping to increase the use of public transport and and to pursue a longer-term ambition for a rail connection.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@nqyne.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Gazette and Observer, 38 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JU. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.