A PUBLIC consultation into improving access to Leeds Bradford Airport will end this week.

Local people are being urged to comment on the proposals through an online survey before it closes at midnight on Friday, April 12.

Leeds City Council, working with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and partners including Leeds Bradford Airport, is asking for responses to the three options being considered to improve road access as well as the proposed parkway rail station.

Almost 2,000 completed surveys have been received since the consultation began in mid-February, with hundreds of people attending drop-in sessions.

The LBA Link Route road proposals put forward three potential schemes. Two would see a new road created from the A65, with the first option running along the eastern side of the airport before joining the A658 while the second option would run to the south west of the airport before joining the A658. The third option would involve upgrading existing junctions on the A65 and A658, with localised road widening where needed.

The parkway station would be built on the Leeds to Harrogate line between Scotland Lane and Cookridge, with a short connecting spur road to the airport. The station would include a 350-space car park and a bus interchange. A pedestrian and cycle path to Cookridge is also proposed.

Leeds City Council chief officer for highways and transportation Gary Bartlett said: “The drop-in sessions were busy and the response has been good, but we really do need as many people to take the time and fill in the survey as it will help guide the next stage of these proposals as they continue to develop.

“These plans will improve access and the local transport network, helping to support the growth of the airport which is essential for jobs and the regional economy, but we do need to hear from as many people as possible by completing the survey in the remaining few days of this latest consultation.”

Chairman of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce’s Transport Group Sara Gilmore said:”Leeds Bradford Airport is the international front door to the region and we need to get people to and from the airport much easier and quicker than at present. Many people cite poor access as a barrier to getting to and from the airport. This must be a priority to make it better.”

A further phase of public consultation will follow later in the year when further technical detail and an emerging preferred road option will be put forward. Visit www.leeds.gov.uk/connectinglba to take part.