KEIGHLEY Town Council is backing a campaign to reopen a disused railway line.

The council has voiced its support for the restoration of the 12-mile Skipton-Colne rail link, which was closed in 1970.

Its pledge has been made in a letter to the Skipton and East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership (SELRAP), which has long been pressing for the route to be brought back into use.

Supporters say the move would create huge economic benefits for Keighley, providing a direct rail link into Lancashire.

In the letter, Keighley town clerk Joe Cooney says: "Keighley Town Council supports the aims of SELRAP to reopen the Skipton to Colne railway line.

"The town council, through its development of a neighbourhood plan, recognises the economic benefits an east-to-west rail connection would bring to Keighley and the surrounding area.

"Through the development of policies, the town council will consider how it can continue to demonstrate its support for the reopening of the line."

SELRAP says it welcomes the backing.

A spokesperson added: "We were invited by Keighley Town Council to do a presentation for interested members of the community, which was very well received. Following on from that we got the welcome letter of support."