CAMPAIGNERS looking to save Queensbury Tunnel have welcomed the personal intervention of Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

In an interview with the T&A on Monday, Mr Shapps said he had blocked the filling in of the disused railway tunnel and was keen on finding a new use for it - either for cycling or even part of a light rail network.

The minister’s commitment was welcomed by Norah McWilliam, of the Queensbury Tunnel Society, which has been fighting to reuse the tunnel for years.

She said that given Mr Shapps’s support, Highway England should withdraw its planning application to fill in the tunnel which they submitted last May.

She said: “We’re delighted he has made a very firm statement.

“Highways England should withdraw their planning application.

"They have made such a mess of the whole business.

“It is bizarre and ridiculous, wasting public money keeping the lights and generator on.

“The sensible thing is that they withdraw the planning application and look at a possible plan for the future of the tunnel.”

She said the society was very interested in what Mr Shapps said about possible future uses of the tunnel, such as a light rail scheme or tram.

She said: “We have heard a whisper of the idea and find it interesting.”

She said the society had been exploring the idea of an electric buggy in Queensbury to boost tourism in the area.

She added: “The use of the tunnel by cycling and walking doesn’t exclude the idea of an electric buggy.”

In a further statement she said: "We are delighted to learn of Grant Shapps’ personal intervention in the long-running saga of Queensbury Tunnel. For over five years we’ve been arguing that the tunnel has enormous social and economic potential as the iconic centrepiece of a greenway for active travel between Bradford and Halifax.

"What is now clear is that the Secretary of State has recognised that Highways England has handled this issue very badly – the tunnel is an asset that should be restored for public benefit.

"As a first step to confirming the position he is now taking, we call on the minister to instruct Highways England to immediately withdraw their planning application to seal the tunnel; in the face of enormous public opposition and with serious technical shortcomings, it makes no sense for HE’s application to be progressed.

"The idea of a light railway or tram is something we have already heard whispers of; it’s not an altogether impossible notion, but it puts the tunnel restoration on an altogether different footing. The tunnel emerges at both ends onto private land and, whilst both landowners are fully supportive of accommodating a greenway, some form of rail/tram route calls for serious consideration on their part.

"Furthermore, the topography would make a rail track pretty challenging. A rail track would also mean maintaining the full width of the tunnel and therefore the cost of restoration and the added infrastructure of the extended route would be great deal more expensive that a greenway dedicated to cycling and walking. We imagine that a fixed track scheme would take several years to achieve, whereas a greenway could be achieved within a couple of years.

"As well as being a strategic connecting route between two urban centres, our vision is for Queensbury Tunnel to be an exciting heritage destination for tourists, school parties, walkers and cyclists, boosting the local economy and offering new business opportunities, such as bike hire, camping, running and cycling races, cafes and cultural events."

"The greenway would provide a wonderful rural corridor, with much needed fresh air exercise for families and a healthy alternative route to work, schools and colleges. For the village of Queensbury to benefit, we see an electric buggy ride up and down a renovated Station Road with its spectacular views, inviting visitors to visit Black Dyke Mills and Victoria Hall, both poised for a prosperous future."

A spokesperson for Highways England said: “We understand the strength of feeling around Queensbury Tunnel.

"We continue discussions with the department on future plans.”