AN MP has hit out at the "utter shambles" surrounding the closure of the Bradford Interchange bus station.

Earlier today, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) announced the section of the transport hub would be closed for a further three months.

They say more detailed surveys are to be undertaken and this will determine the viability of its future.

The bus station has been shut since January 4 after some concrete fell in the basement - making it unsafe for public use.

"Shocking state of affairs"

Philip Davies, Conservative MP for Shipley, was critical of those in charge of the operation.

Mr Davies said: “Whether it is the Labour-run Council, the Labour-controlled West Yorkshire Combined Authority or the Labour Mayor in West Yorkshire, everyone can see what an utter shambles they are presiding over.

“If you combine this shocking state of affairs with the road chaos around Bradford, there is no wonder that big retailers like M&S are abandoning the city and closing down.

“The government is pumping literally billions of pounds in infrastructure expenditure into the Bradford district now and in forthcoming years, but they could be forgiven for wondering why they are bothering when Labour-dominated Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority make such a pig’s ear of everything they touch."

"Work needs to proceed at pace"

Judith Cummins, Labour MP for Bradford South, is keen to see the bus station back open as quick as possible.

She said: “Thousands of my constituents rely on public transport to get in and out of the city centre every day.

"Bradford Interchange’s continued closure is causing upheaval and disruption to people right across Bradford and beyond.”

“Of course, public safety is paramount, but work needs to proceed at pace to ensure the necessary repairs are made so that Bradford Interchange can reopen as soon as possible.

"In the meantime, the public need to be kept fully up to speed with developments in order to plan their journeys.

"We simply must have a well-functioning city centre public transport hub.”

Full WYCA statement

A spokesperson for WYCA said: "Since the interchange closed in January, initial surveys have been undertaken with a focus on the areas of concern identified.

"The feedback received was that while the surrounding structures were found to be generally in a fair condition, repair works will be required to address areas of defective concrete above the basement car park area, and to address significant issues of drainage and water ingress.

"Surveyors have recommended that further, more extensive surveys need to be carried out in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the condition of the interchange and to inform the future management and operation of the structure.

"This work will progress over the coming weeks, however, given the scale and the nature of the structure, completion of those surveys will be a significant undertaking.

"It is therefore anticipated that the interchange will need to remain closed for at least a further three months to allow surveys to be completed, following which we will take a view on the future operation of the facility.

"In the meantime, work is also ongoing with Bradford Council officers to consider alternative locations for a temporary bus station.

"The safety of passengers, staff and the users of the interchange remains our top priority.

"We recognise the continued inconvenience the closure causes and thank the public for their patience."