COUNCILLORS are fighting to get better rail links for Huddersfield.

And they want the region’s MPs to join the fight to link the area to the proposed high-speed rail link.

The move, which is set to come before Kirklees Council on Wednesday, follows news from the Government that they want to develop the new High Speed Rail link (HS2) from London to include a ‘Y’ shaped network-providing links to the Midlands, North West and the North East.

Clrs John Smithson and Cahal Burke have tabled a proposal to the council seeking support for the scheme.

Clr Smithson said: “The ‘Y option’ has been chosen, meaning two high-speed lines will branch out north of Birmingham at Lichfield with a line towards Sheffield, Leeds and the East Coast mainline and a line towards Manchester and the West Coast mainline.

“The ‘Y’ link will mean the great majority of the British population will have direct access to the high speed network, including much of the Kirklees area.

“That will deliver major economic benefits totalling many millions to the economies in the North and Midlands.

“I want the council to write to our MPs asking them to support HS2 and campaign for the route to include Huddersfield, either directly or indirectly.

“I want the council’s Chief Executive to write to the Transport Secretary giving this council’s support to HS2 and a plea that the route includes Huddersfield.”