Local plan could protect tunnel
THE QUEENSBURY Tunnel Society has welcomed provisions to safeguard the Victorian structure as the row over its future continues.
The tunnel has been at the centre of a longstanding dispute between Highways England and campaigners who believe the tunnel should be used as a connector in the proposed Bradford-Halifax Greenway.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority and two councils at either end of the passageway have expressed their support for the greenway scheme. The Council’s draft Local Plan includes a commitment to expand and improve the dissaid: trict’s network of off-road cycle routes. An extended Great Northern Railway Trail - running from Queensbury to Keighley - is identified on the policies map, together with Queensbury Tunnel and approach paths.
Norah McWilliam, leader of the Queensbury Tunnel Society, *Based on volume of plans, Touchstone data 2018 – Q2 2020. with a lifetime mortgage. “We’re obviously delighted that the Council is acting to ensure that this unique engineering asset is safeguarded against the destructive intentions of its current custodians.
A Highways England spokesperson said: “Our work on the structure benefits any future plans to reopen the tunnel by keeping it safe now, and supports the DfT, local authorities and WYCA as options are looked at for the future use of thestructure. Inthemeantime, we are progressing with the emergency works in the tunnel which are essential for safety of local communities and our workforce. Preventing an uncontrolled collapse is the best option for keeping the tunnel viable for future use.”
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