STOP THE TROLLEYBUS !

The meeting was called by Councillor James Lewis, the head of Metro, and Councillor Richard Lewis, the head of Highways. The two councillors made short speeches at the start of the meeting, and then answered questions from the floor. Questions of a more technical nature were dealt with by NGT project director Dave Haskins, and his colleague NGT project manager Vanessa Allen.

One gentleman asked if Metro and the council seriously expect people who’ve driven all the way from Ilkey or Otley to leave their cars at Bodington, and get on a bus. Councillor Richard Lewis’s response was that their experience with Pudsey and Horsforth train stations is that people do leave their cars to use public transport.

Another questioner asked if there would be more more standing passengers than sitting passengers. Dave Haskins said he couldn’t say.

Someone remarked that when Councillor Richard Lewis said “Many years of effort have been put into this scheme” the councillor could have added, “and we’re damned if we’re going to drop it now.” This person said he felt that the meeting had been called so that the councillors could say that they had consulted people.

A lady said that they could solve congestion on the A660 by introducing congestion charging. Councillor Richard Lewis asked those in favour of congestion charging to raise their hands. Almost every hand in the room was raised. Councillor Lewis then said he doesn’t see congestion charging coming in for another ten years. To which the lady responded that people would rather wait 10 years than have so many trees cut down needlessly now.

Many more well-considered questions were put to the councillors, who remained good humoured throughout.

It was a very lively meeting and lasted from 7.30 to 9.15pm. It was attended by over 100 people, and there was standing room only.