CROSS-party demands are growing for controversial rail cuts to be reversed.

Northern this month reduced the number of trains running in and out of Bradford Forster Square.

Services between Bradford and Skipton, on the Airedale line, have changed from half-hourly to hourly.

The company says the move, due to prioritisation of busier routes, is a temporary one.

But pressure is mounting on the operator to restore services "as quickly as possible".

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Labour-run Bradford Council, and West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin have met with Northern bosses to discuss the issue.

Cllr Hinchcliffe said: "We have stated our strong opposition to Northern – and to the Government – over these cuts, which are having a considerable impact on people’s day-to-day lives across our district.

"Commuters need to get to and from work and education as well as getting out and about to support local businesses, so it’s not acceptable for government or Northern to sell our district short – particularly as we come out of the pandemic and we are working hard to build the strongest possible economic recovery.

"People living along the Airedale and Wharfedale lines and those who rely on services connecting Bradford and Halifax and beyond are facing unacceptable difficulties in getting about for work, school and college and leisure."

Keighley Conservative MP Robbie Moore is also calling on Northern to reverse the cuts.

He has met with the company's management, and raised the matter with rail ministers.

"This was an inexplicable decision by Northern which was carried out without any consultation," said Mr Moore, who added he had been inundated with correspondence over the issue.

"As more people are now travelling for work or visiting friends and family, we should be looking to expand the services not draw them back.

"These cuts could not be more badly timed, particularly for the businesses and schools which have been able to get back to normal operations following two years of suffering. No account has been taken of the children who rely on the train services for school.

"A full service needs to be restored. I will continue to push over this."

Northern says the reduced services are "a short-term measure".

Restrictions imposed around the pandemic meant no driver training could take place in 2020, it adds.

As a result, there is a backlog of people requiring training and the number of qualified drivers is down.