Almost two years after they were due for completion, we are still awaiting the findings of two studies into the technical challenges of repurposing Queensbury Tunnel and the economic benefits of doing so as part of an iconic active travel network connecting Halifax with Bradford and Keighley.

But the Great Northern Railway's subterranean miracle is just one of 134 structures which National Highways intended to infill or demolish as part of its assault on our great railway heritage. The state-owned roads company sees only liability in the Historical Railways Estate despite it having clear ecological and historical value, as well as the potential to play a role in persuading more of us to set out more on foot or bike.

Since taking over responsibility for publicly-owned legacy rail bridges, National Highways has infilled 51 of them at a cost to the taxpayer of more than £8M. Some of these were needed for new greenways or extensions to heritage lines.

Although the Government intervened to pause National Highways' damaging programme in 2021, the company is once again able to pursue infilling as a means of asset management. As we wait to hear whether Queensbury Tunnel has a future, could you please support The HRE Group's efforts to tackle the broader threat to disused railway structures by signing its online petition...

https://www.change.org/theHREgroup

We must not allow risk aversion and a short-sighted culture to destroy the opportunities provided by OUR Historical Railways Estate.

Many thanks.