PLANS for the reopening of a railway line which it's claimed would provide a huge economic boost for Keighley have been presented to the Shadow Transport Secretary.

Louise Haigh heard the case for restoring the 12-mile Skipton to Colne rail link, which was closed in 1970.

The proposal, which would result in a direct rail route from Keighley into Lancashire, has been widely supported locally.

The meeting which saw the plans presented to Ms Haigh was chaired by John Grogan, Labour's Keighley parliamentary candidate.

Also in attendance were officers from campaign group the Skipton and East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership (SELRAP), West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin and the leader of Bradford Council, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe.

Mr Grogan says: "Restoration of the Skipton to Colne railway line would provide the quickest trans-Pennine link for both passengers and freight.

"The project could be completed by the early 2030s, at an estimated cost of £250 million, and it would complement other plans for a high-speed rail link.

"I wanted to make sure, through this meeting, that if Labour is fortunate enough to get into government there is a strong understanding both locally and nationally about the importance of the project."

Chris Oakley, for SELRAP, said: "We were extremely pleased with the positive stance taken by those present at the meeting on the rail line reopening, its strategic importance and the transformational change it could bring about in the towns of East Lancashire and the Aire Valley."

SELRAP was formed in 2001 to campaign for the line's reopening, and the group now has over 500 individual members and affiliates.

Councillor Hinchcliffe says: "It was great to have SELRAP talk through the Skipton-Colne rail link opportunity with the Shadow Secretary of State for Transport and mayor Brabin. The group set out a really strong case, with clear business and passenger benefits."

The resurrection of the line is also supported by Keighley's Conservative MP, Robbie Moore.

He addressed business leaders and fellow MPs at a briefing in Parliament earlier this year to provide an update on the scheme.

Mr Moore said: "The reinstatement of a railway line between Skipton and Colne has my full support.

"It would provide a much-needed boost to transport connectivity across our area.

"It is vital that east-west connectivity is significantly improved and I will continue to campaign and lobby the Department for Transport to review the business case for this project."