EMERGENCY measures to stabilise an air shaft at the historic Queensbury tunnel have got underway.

The Department for Transport , which owns the site has taken the unusual step over fears one of the air shafts may collapse because of its "increasingly deteriorating condition" caused by an influx of water.

The work has thrown the re-opening of the tunnel into doubt, with Highways England admitting the safety procedures will make it "more challenging" to bring it back into use.

Campaigners say the measures go too far and do not need to be implemented.

Bradford South MP Judith Cummins has written to Baroness Vere, Minister in the Department for Transport, urging more information "regarding the necessity of the works and the time frame involved" to be provided and asking which powers are being exercised to carry them out.

Mrs Cummins adds: "I am concerned that these emergency works would effectively end any chance of Queensbury Tunnel being used for the benefit of the community as part of a walking and cycling trail.

"This is directly contrary to the Government’s stated ambition to encourage walking and cycling as a public health priority.

"The Queensbury Tunnel is an engineering feat and a historical asset to the local area.

"The decision to block the tunnel could have the effect of irreversibly destroying a huge part of our local heritage.

"I urge you to consider whether any alternative courses of action could be taken."