FASTER rail journeys to and from Bradford are a step closer to reality, with a task force calling for major line improvements to be made a priority.

A new report says the Government should prioritise the electrification of the Calder Valley line, which links Leeds, Bradford, Halifax and Manchester.

Electrifying a line brings faster journeys and new electric trains, which are more reliable and less polluting than their old diesel counterparts.

The report, by the MP-led North of England Electrification Task Force, says the line is one of 12 in the north which needs speeding up between 2019 and 2024 because of the economic impact it will bring.

The task force was set up by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin to look into which of 32 northern rail lines should be electrified first. Today, he visited Sheffield to discuss the findings.

He said: "The electrification programme is central to our ambitious plans to transform the rail network across the country. It will enable the modern fleet of electric trains to run on the network, providing faster and more reliable journeys.

“I am grateful to the members of the task force for their work. I want to see a rolling plan for further electrification and this study will have a vital part to play in setting the agenda for 2019 and beyond."

One of the five people making up the task force is Bradford Council leader David Green.

He said: "This investment is sorely needed across the North to drive economic growth and improve the lives of northerners."

The task force's recommendations will now be considered by the Government as part of the development of a new transport strategy for the north of England.

The Bradford Rail Users' Group has welcomed the progress.

Chairman James Vasey said: "When you travel out of the Interchange, you have got what are commonly referred to as 'cattle trucks' - that's the generic name in the industry.

"This will be a significant boost. We would have new trains, giving a positive impression and making people think, 'I will go by train', rather than, 'I will be cramped on a train'."

Mr Vasey said electrifying the line would bring all sorts of benefits, such as more frequent services, smaller fare hikes and an increase in house values near railways.

And Bradford Chamber of Commerce urged the Government to act on the report's findings, saying transport was one of the top issues for local firms.

Mike Cartwright, of the Chamber, said: "We’ve been pushing for electrification of this line for some time. The quality of the stock is poor and passengers often feel like third-rate customers compared with Forster Square trains.

"We therefore welcome the taskforce’s report.

"However, we don’t know when the government will get around to responding to it so it could still be kicked into the long grass for quite some time."