Resolved –

(1)       That Executive commend the work of Queensbury Tunnel Society in bringing forward the work which has been done to date to identify the issues and risks associated with the conversion of Queensbury Tunnel to a leisure cycling facility as well as their advocacy of the benefits of such a scheme to stakeholders.

(2)       That Executive fully recognises and supports the benefits in saving the tunnel for the enjoyment of future generations and that its potential conversion to a leisure cycling facility connecting Bradford city centre and Halifax town centres.

(3)       That Executive acknowledges that the offer of Historic Railways Estate to transfer ownership of the tunnel to the Council, together with the residual of any unspent abandonment funding, as a dowry for its future maintenance is an interesting proposition.  But, given the indicative repair costs and funding gap identified for the stabilisation works, Executive reluctantly confirms that it is currently unable to agree to the proposed transfer of ownership.

(4)       That the Strategic Director of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder continue to lobby Highways England / HRE to delay their abandonment works to allow the Council and its partners time to explore further potential sources of funding for the scheme through development of an advocacy document.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Regeneration and Environment

(Richard Gelder - 01274 437603)