Supporters of the campaign for a direct rail link between Bradford and London want the east coast line upgrading faster after a setback for their hopes.

As reported yesterday in later editions of the Telegraph & Argus, the Office for Rail Regulation (ORR) rejected Grand Central's plan to run four daily services from the Interchange to London.

The ORR made its decision based on insufficient passenger space on the east-coast rail line but called for speedier work to increase capacity and allow more services to Bradford.

At present only one direct train runs each day from Bradford, departing from Forster Square station at 6.30am. For the rest of the day, passengers have to travel to Leeds.

Richard Wightman, president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: "It is deeply disappointing news. "The Bradford link would be a helpful addition to the city's image and would enable extra journeys which would complement the GNER service.

"We hope the company will be successful when east coast capacity is increased, which we hope is soon."

A statement issued by the ORR, said: "Applications from Grand Central to serve Bradford will be turned down.

"However the ORR anticipates that when Network Rail has completed the Route Utilisation Strategy for the ECML, it should be possible to accommodate additional passenger services on this busy route without compromising the interests of freight operators.

"We are asking Network Rail to prioritise this work."

Managing director of Grand Central Ian Yeowart has vowed to fight on to bring the rail link to Bradford.

Alec Suchi, of Bradford Rail Users' Group, said: "The decision just confirms Bradford's marginal status on the rail network.

"To have Bradford on the link to London would be very advantageous as it gives Bradford a much higher profile.

"As it is, Bradford is rarely seen on departure boards around the country."

In the same announcement the ORR turned down applications from GNER to operate more services from Leeds to London.

GNER spokesman Richard Allan said: "We are extremely puzzled at the ORR's decision. It is astonishing that the ORR has rejected GNER's additional Leeds-London services as that is what the Govern-ment, in awarding the East Coast franchise, contracted GNER to deliver.

"The ORR's own economic analysis concluded that the highest level of economic benefits was delivered by GNER's proposed services.

"GNER is reviewing all its options."

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe has been an active and vocal supporter of the campaign.

He called the decision a blow to the regeneration prospects of Bradford and called upon passengers and businesses to get behind Grand Central's quest for the new line.

In September 2005, the Telegraph & Argus reported how regeneration chiefs considered the rail link vital to the city's future prosperity.