CALLS have been made for more trains to be provided between Keighley and London to cater for leisure travellers.

The plea was issued after it was announced extra services were to be introduced linking Bradford and the capital.

The Office of Rail Regulation has approved a request from Virgin Trains East Coast to run a service every two hours from Forster Square station to London, starting in 2019.

There will still be four trains a day running from Bradford Interchange to King’s Cross, operated by Grand Central, which will stop at Low Moor when the new station opens.

Tim Calow, chairman of the Aire Valley Rail Users Group, welcomes the move.

But he would like to see the Airedale line better served.

"I don't have any problems with the new services – and I hope they are a success – but there is more potential with Bingley, Keighley and Skipton," said Mr Calow.

"At the moment we have one through train a day leaving Skipton at 6.55am and returning from London in the evening.

"The morning service is very well used, by commuters into Leeds as well as the through passengers.

"Unfortunately the fares during the week are prohibitive for many leisure users.

"It would be good to have more through trains weekdays catering for non-business travellers.

"That in turn would bring-in more passengers."

The launch of the new Bradford to London services has been welcomed by senior district councillors, who say it will bring benefits for the whole region.

Bradford Council deputy leader Val Slater, who is executive member for transport, said: "I wholeheartedly welcome this announcement. It is great news for Bradford.

"The future prosperity of the city and the region depends upon efficient and reliable transport links, particularly with the capital city.

"It will bring improved links to London from both sides of the city.

"Together with the new rail franchise improvements next year, new stations at Apperley Bridge and Low Moor, and the proposed major refurbishment of Forster Square station, Bradford is poised for a prolonged period of sustainable rail transport development with all the economic benefits that brings."

Sandy Needham, chief executive of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: "It's good news. It's one of the things we wanted to see in making these connections. We'd like to see it happen sooner but it'll be worth the wait when it happens."