NEW moves towards reopening a rail link which could lead to direct trains between Keighley and Manchester have been welcomed.

John Grogan, Keighley’s Labour parliamentary candidate, said a working group had been formed to examine the resurrection of the Skipton to Colne line.

A long campaign has been running to revive the link, which was axed during the Beeching cuts in the 1960s.

“The restoration of this link would mean a new trans-Pennine route at a much cheaper price than any of the alternatives,” said Mr Grogan.

“It would allow Leeds to Manchester trains to run through Airedale, which would mean a journey time of about 60 minutes from Keighley to Manchester.

“Keighley has always looked both to Lancashire and West Yorkshire and the new rail route could be an important economic boost.

“The need to improve Bradford’s own rail services is very important but if I am elected as Keighley’s MP it will be my job to make sure the town’s own transport needs are not forgotten.”