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Campaigners protest Queensbury tunnel closure
Plans to infill the historic railway tunnel in Yorkshire face opposition from local advocates.
Plans to fill the historic Queensbury tunnel with concrete face backlash from campaigners advocating for its use as a cycle path.
Campaigners oppose government plans for Queensbury tunnel infill
Campaigners are fighting against a government decision to fill the disused Queensbury railway tunnel with concrete for safety reasons. The government recently approved funding to permanently close the tunnel, despite prior investments to repair it. Critics, including the mayor of West Yorkshire, have expressed their disappointment and urgency for the tunnel to be developed into a cycling and pedestrian path. They argue that keeping the tunnel intact could benefit the community economically and socially, contrasting sharply with the government's stance on public safety and budget constraints.
Key Takeaways
"The government is making an investment in destruction to satisfy the needs of a roads body that only cares about its own narrow interests."
Norah McWilliam critiques government priorities over community benefits.
"To ensure everyone’s safety the government had to act quickly, and the realities of public finances meant a difficult decision needed to be made."
Tracy Brabin explains the government's perspective on safety and finance.
"These new millions and the seven lost in a black hole four years ago could have paid for the tunnel’s repair, safeguarding it for a role at the heart of an inspiring and sustainable active travel network."
Norah McWilliam highlights the wasted funds and potential of the tunnel.
"The minister claims that her decision is based on a ‘full view of the facts’, but the evidence seems to have come exclusively from National Highways."
Graeme Bickerdike argues against the government's justification for their decision.
This conflict highlights broader tensions between community development and government priorities. Critics argue the government's focus on safety overlooks potential benefits that transforming the tunnel into a cycle path could provide. The resistance toward these plans suggests a growing frustration with local leaders feeling sidelined in decision-making processes impacting their communities. If the government prioritizes infrastructure for cars over cycling paths, it may face increasing public backlash, especially as more citizens advocate for greener, healthier modes of transport.
Highlights
- Investing in destruction reflects outdated priorities in our infrastructure policy.
- The community's needs are ignored while budgets take precedence.
- Our historic asset deserves a future, not just a grave of concrete.
- Transforming this tunnel could bring unity, health, and economic revival.
Government decision faces backlash
The government's plan to fill the Queensbury tunnel has sparked significant public outcry and claims of cultural vandalism from local campaigners. Critics argue that ignoring community proposals in favor of safety and budget concerns could lead to more public dissatisfaction.
The future of the Queensbury tunnel remains uncertain amid growing community support for its revival.
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