THE Leader of Bradford Council has called for Northern to reinstate rail services as soon as possible after cuts introduced this week.

Northern’s new timetable, which includes reduced services between Bradford and Shipley, Ilkley and Skipton, were introduced on Sunday.

Earlier this year, Northern bosses said the reduced services were “short term.”

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe reiterated her opposition to timetable this week.

Cllr Hinchcliffe and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin have met with Northern to seek assurances that services will be restored as planned by the end of the year at the latest.

Cllr Hinchcliffe said: “Commuters need to get to and from work and education as well as getting out and about to support local businesses, so it’s not acceptable for government or Northern to sell our district short – particularly at this time as we come out of the pandemic and we are working hard to build the strongest possible economic recovery.

“People living along the Airedale and Wharfedale lines and those who rely on services connecting Bradford and Halifax and beyond are facing unacceptable difficulties in getting about for work, school and college. That’s why we are a united voice in calling for the services to be reinstated at the earliest.”