AN MP is demanding transport bosses include Shipley in its next bid to secure funding to improve transport links across the region – after learning the area was not listed for any schemes in the first submission.

Shipley MP Philip Davies said he was fed up of his constituents missing out and wrote to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling setting out his concerns about the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) which he believes “repeatedly snub” the constituency.

WYCA is one of 12 areas currently benefiting from the Transforming Cities Fund, a cash pot designed to help areas to upgrade public transport links over the next four years.

Mr Davies contacted chair Susan Hinchcliffe asking which schemes in Shipley are being included. But he was told WYCA have already submitted one of three parts of its bid totalling £10 million which includes delivering the master plan at Bradford Forster Square, and other schemes in York, Kirklees and the Leeds city region. Two other sections of the bid have yet to be submitted.

Mr Davies said: “I am never surprised that Shipley misses out to Labour heartlands but I am always extremely disappointed. It is not fair on my constituents who deserve better and should benefit as other parts of the district and region do. I’ve written to Chris Grayling setting out my concerns how the Labour dominated WYCA snub Shipley and asked what can be done to make sure we get our fair share of funding that is available.

“There are schemes in Shipley that could be put forward and yet the Labour dominated WYCA don’t seem interested.”

In her letter to Mr Davies, Coun Hinchcliffe said the second section of the bid will be submitted by June and focus on cycling and walking and “deliver significant changes to the busiest bus and rail lines”. It will also help distribute the benefits of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse across the region. The third bid will be submitted by summer but no details have been finalised.

Coun Hinchcliffe wrote: “Whilst at this point in the bid development we have not identified specific schemes being proposed within constituencies, do be assured Coun Groves and the team are working closely with district partners and local stakeholders to ensure the content of the bid has the widest possible impact. We will also ensure we continue to keep local MPs informed as the bid develops.”

Mr Davies added: “Shipley was not included in the first bid and neither will it benefit from the second it seems. There is one section of the bid left and I urge WYCA to look at schemes in my area which people need and would benefit from.”