Bradford Interchange: 'Disgraceful lack of transparency'

Councillor Matt Edwards, leader of the Green Party on Bradford Council, made the comments as West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) continues to stay tight-lipped on the status of a Freedom of Information request - lodged by the Telegraph & Argus - about the closure of Bradford's main bus station.

The bus station - run by WYCA - has been shut since early January after a block of concrete from the structure collapsed into an underground car park.

In March, WYCA said it was "anticipated" the station would "need to remain closed for at least a further three months to allow surveys to be completed".

Since the station's closure was revealed at the start of the year, the T&A has been contacted by numerous residents complaining that they do not believe officials have provided enough information about the situation. 

Cllr Edwards said today: "The lack of transparency from the Mayor of West Yorkshire and WYCA has been shameful and it's getting to the point where the Government should step in.

"Bradford - one of the biggest cities in the country - is without its bus station. 

"Passengers are having to trapes across the city centre looking for buses, the live displays aren't working at some stops and bus shelters are missing. 

Bradford Councillor Matt Edwards has expressed concerns about the ongoing situation (Image: newsquest)

"And while this is happening they are refusing to answer the most basic of questions. 

"It's an colossal understatement to say that the entire situation is nowhere near good enough."

Questions continue over Freedom of Information request

On January 12, the T&A submitted the following question to WYCA under the Freedom of Information Act: "Please can WYCA provide all written correspondence it has made and received regarding the emergency closure of the bus station at Bradford Interchange, up to today (Friday, January 12, 2024)."

WYCA confirmed to the T&A that it "does hold the information covered by your request" - but stated it was "unable to provide the information as this is being withheld" under two regulations of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. 

On March 25, the T&A contacted WYCA asking for an internal review of its decision - stating that members of the public have a right to know the information.

WYCA said this would be answered within 20 working days. 

However, nearly two months on, an answer has still not been provided by WYCA.

Over the last week, the T&A has repeatedly asked WYCA why it did not respond to the internal review request within 20 working days - and when a response would be given.

WYCA has failed to answer these specific questions but issued the following brief statement: "We closed Bradford Interchange bus station because public safety is our top priority and we continue to work with Bradford Council to limit disruption.

"We will be providing a detailed report at next month's meeting of the combined authority when we will know more from the survey work which is currently underway."

Earlier this month, Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, said she would not reopen the station "until it is safe to do so".

The T&A asked Mayor Brabin how she would respond to concerns about a perceived lack of transparency on the issue.

She responded: "Obviously I'm disappointed that the public feel we've not been transparent - but I can't tell the public what I don't know.

"We are waiting for those surveys to come back.

"What I won't do is make a decision without evidence.

"We've got to know what needs to be done - and if we can't resolve this problem then we will have a plan B."

In March, a WYCA meeting heard a temporary bus station could be set up in Bradford city centre should repair work at the Interchange stretch into 2025 - which is City of Culture year.

Mayor Brabin acknowledged there had been "a lot of disruption" in the heart of Bradford - not just because of the bus station closure but also due to work to pedestrianise some of the city centre's main roads.

"It has been really difficult for the people of Bradford," she added.

"But rest assured, the future will be brighter for Bradford."