Work on an engineering project designed to increase the capacity of the local rail network is set to continue despite the collapse of the firm carrying it out.

Railtrack, the firm which managed the country's railways, went into administration this week.

And it was feared that could jeopardise the ongoing Leeds 1st project and cause further disruption for Bradford rail-users, who have already suffered months of delays and cancellations due to the work.

But today Councillor Mick Lyons, chairman of the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority, said he had been given reassurances the work would continue.

He said: "I realise that the travelling public of West Yorkshire are concerned about what effect this development will have. However, I have been assured by the Strategic Rail Authority that the day-to-day operation of the railway will continue.

"Leeds 1st still has a major phase of work to complete. For things to return to normal this work needs to be completed. I have been assured that this work and all other committed work will continue."

Coun Lyons added that he backed the Government's decision not to bail out Railtrack.

He said: "Public money could not continue to be used to shore up a private company which instead of putting the industry back on its feet has had to be about satisfying shareholders."

Metro officials are liaising with administrators Ernst & Young and their lawyers to ensure transactions between the Executive and Railtrack continue effectively.