NEWS that a long-lost bus link could be restored has been welcomed.

Campaigners have been pressing for years for a direct service between Keighley and Halifax, via Denholme, to be reinstated.

Now West Yorkshire Combined Authority could be in line for just over £1 million from the Government, including cash to resurrect the service.

The development follows the announcement of the Department for Transport £220m Supported Bus Services Funding.

The combined authority has drawn up a list of 11 possible routes, including Keighley-Halifax, that could benefit from the funds.

If a bid to the Department is successful, a service could be back up and running by the end of this year.

Bingley Rural Conservative district councillor Mike Ellis, a member of the combined authority’s transport committee, said: “My colleagues and I are delighted that West Yorkshire Combined Authority is eligible for £1.086 million of the Supported Bus Services Funding to support and improve local provision.

“An important criteria to qualify for this funding is that any restored bus route is needed to ensure that people have access to public transport services which connect them to employment and healthcare facilities etc.

“We are delighted that the combined authority has identified the long-lost Keighley to Halifax, via Denholme, route as potentially meeting this requirement.”

He said councillors in the ward had long been lobbying for the service to be restored.

Residents have also been pressing for several years for action to be taken.

“We have been campaigning for this important connection to be restored and it finally looks as though it may happen – and in the not too distant future,” added Councillor Ellis.

“The proposal has already been submitted to the Department for Transport.

“And if the bid is successful, the service should be up and running before the end of this year.

“My colleagues and I are going to campaign for the service to include Cullingworth, as residents of the village would benefit from the connectivity provided as much as the residents of Denholme.

“Having been a councillor for a number of years, it always feels pleasant when we manage to collectively improve things for local residents – particularly when the improvement benefits so many people.

“I look forward seeing the first buses pass along the route.”