AN MP has actually called on Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to release more financing so an appropriate evaluation of the future of an obsolete rail tunnel can be made.
The society states this would include infilling it with concrete in a job which would cost around ₤ 3million. But for the society’s cycle path proposition to proceed, Bradford Council would have to take on its ownership, a choice which is presently being examined.
In a letter to Mr Grayling, Bradford South MP Cummins stated: “I am composing to raise my issues concerning a recent choice taken by your department to decline funding to the Phase Two of investigatory works into the sustainability of Queensbury Tunnel. Stage One investigatory works done by AECOM suggest that either bring back or filling out the tunnel would cost in excess of the ₤ 3 million budget plan that Highways England Historical Railways Estate (HRE) presently has and for that reason any choice to either bring back or desert the tunnel requires that full investigatory works are finished.”
It includes: “Offered its possible worth as an asset for the district, my position is that the future of Queensbury Tunnel must be made on the basis of robust proof and not on a rush to discover a convenient service for the HRE.”
Speaking afterwards, she stated: “If either option is going to cost more than ₤ 3 million anyway, then it appears like a lost chance for the Federal government not to do that bit additional so we totally comprehend what the choices for the tunnel are.
“Bring back the tunnel would be a huge undertaking but there is likewise a substantial opportunity here – the possible advantages to Bradford are definitely clear.
“While we have actually still got the chance, let’s not get rid of the opportunity to know the full facts. If we enable adequate time and funding for additional investigations, an effectively informed choice can be made.”
A Bradford Council spokesperson said it is “essential” that every chance is provided to bring back the tunnel.
They stated: “We’re doing whatever we can with our present resources, nevertheless, a little bit more funding from Highways England would enable us to obtain a clearer image of the expenses of restoring or safely sealing up the tunnel. We think both options are likely to cost more than Highways England’s price quotes, so the more info we can gather the better it will be for everyone.”
A dispute is currently rumbling on relating to the lease of land on which pumping devices stands, which advocates state might potentially have an effect on the schedule of work to desert the tunnel.
Norah McWilliam, from QTS, says the HRE’s abandonment prepare for the tunnel is an “undesirable usage” of public loan.
A representative for the Department for Transportation validated the letter had actually been received and said a response will be given up due course.
A spokesperson for Highways England said: “Unless significant work is carried out on Queensbury Tunnel the level of security danger to the community increases. Due to the deteriorating bad condition of the tunnel action now has to be taken.
“We agreed in December 2016 to contribute funds to Bradford Council to undertake their own study into the tunnel’s condition and its possible to be reopened as part of a biking and strolling route. We have been clear on our decision, backed by the Department of Transportation, to close the tunnel in order to secure the community and of our objective to start the safety operate in September 2018, subject to securing preparation approval.”
Source
http://thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/16309295.bradford-south-mp-judith-cummins-writes-to-transport-secretary-chris-grayling-over-future-of-queensbury-tunnel/
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