A transport pressure group has backed plans to create two new railway stations in the Bradford area.

Transport 2000 supports proposals put forward recently by West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority for a station at Apperley Bridge.

It also wants to see one developed at Laisterdyke though WYPTA considers its difficult topography makes it an unlikely candidate for an immediate start

Alan Haigh, chairman of the Rail Group of Transport 2000 said: "We are looking for a better service between Bradford and Leeds, at least every ten minutes. At the moment it is supposed to be every 15 minutes but they are unevenly spaced. We need another two trains per hour.

"It's a matter of WYPTA getting more rolling stock for which they have made a bid. They need to put in a better service overall.

"Apperley Bridge would probably be a park-and-ride station and a key location on the road system.

"It would take about three years, though nothing much can be done until Leeds station improvement approaches.

"The PTA have made it one of their priorities and it is the logical one they should go for. The key is to have these improvements included in the final transport plan in July.

"The Airedale service is quite strong but there are no stations south of Bradford Interchange which make it a poor relation of the network and this needs to be concentrated on."

Earlier this year the Telegraph & Argus reported the PTA's plans for improvements to Apperley bridge and elsewhere.

But representatives of Northern Spirit and Railtrack stressed that the plans were in the early stages and would need to be assessed in terms of passenger demand, finance and locations.

Bradford spokesperson on the WYPTA, Councillor Latif Darr, said: "Discussions are taking place with Railtrack to see where this fits in with its programme.

"I am sure we will get a station at Apperley Bridge - the question is just how long this will take.

"The important thing to remember is that we have not had a negative reaction from Railtrack and that's a good sign they are positive.

"I would also like to see improvements in the quality and frequency of train services and buses as well."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.