Around 150 individuals gathered at an old railway tunnel in the Victorian era, urging the government to rethink its decision to fill it up. The Queensbury Tunnel Society (QTS) has been working for over ten years to transform the 1.4-mile unused tunnel into a greenway, connecting Bradford and Calderdale. Despite their efforts, the government announced in July 2025 that the tunnel would be filled in at a cost of £7.5 million, citing high redevelopment expenses.
Bradford West MP Naz Shah criticized the decision, stating that restoring the tunnel would cost less than £7 million and bring local benefits. Different estimates on the restoration costs were provided, with National Highways projecting £22 million, while AECOM, an engineering consultancy, estimated it at £6.9 million. QTS mentioned that the proposed walking and cycling path would yield a return of £3 in social, economic, and tourism benefits for every £1 invested.
Government minister Lilian Greenwood expressed reluctance to allocate additional public funds to the tunnel’s restoration due to lack of funding. QTS leader Norah McWilliam expressed disappointment, calling the government’s decision a waste of public money with no social or economic benefits. National Highways had already spent £7.2 million between 2018 and 2021 to strengthen the tunnel’s structure.
Despite receiving over 8,000 objections to the initial 2019 application to fill in the tunnel, National Highways submitted updated planning information to Bradford Council in October 2025. McWilliam emphasized the importance of public support in saving the tunnel, urging people to advocate against the closure. The tunnel’s significance beyond the local level was highlighted, with attendees traveling from Bristol and London to join the protest.
Various local representatives, including MP Judith Cummins, emphasized the heritage value and uniqueness of the tunnel, advocating for its preservation. Shah and Cummins vowed to push for the tunnel’s retention in Westminster, backed by surveys and evidence. National Highways reiterated their intention to stabilize the tunnel safely following the government’s decision.
Despite clarifying that they would not fill in or demolish the tunnel, National Highways acknowledged that their actions would render it inaccessible for conversion into a greenway. Bradford Council revealed plans for a new consultation once the company submitted revised proposals.