Save our tunnel appeal

Jan 22 2008 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

LIBERAL Democrat councillors on Kirklees are campaigning to save Woodhead Tunnel.

Andrew Marchington, for Golcar ward, and David Woodhead (Holme Valley North) say re-opening it would provide a major boost for commuters and ease congestion.

The Government has approved plans by the National Grid to lay cables in the tunnel – which runs from Dunford Bridge to the bottom of the road from Holme Moss – preventing it from re-opening.

Clr Marchington said: “The plans for the tunnel are very short-sighted.

“Issues such as congestion and damage to the environment by road use should be considered now, before the tunnel is lost.’’

Clr Woodhead said: “In the Holme Valley the huge problem with congestion on the roads to and from Manchester could be avoided by investment in the rail network.”

The councillors are putting a motion to support the campaign to save the tunnel before Kirklees.