A RAIL representative has explained to West Yorkshire Councillors why so much focus is placed on Leeds when it comes to network improvements.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority's Transport Committee were given updates on a number of rail projects at a meeting on Friday.

They heard that much of the immediate focus would be on improving capacity at Leeds Rail Station - including the creation of a Platform 0.

A regular criticism of rail networks is that while Leeds receives huge investments, Bradford's stations have faced years of stagnation.

'Urgent intervention' needed to boost rail growth

Matt Rice from Network Rail explained that Leeds was key to the whole network in West Yorkshire.

A report to the committee revealed that 80 per cent of services in the West Yorkshire area originate or terminate in Leeds Station.

And new services at stations like Bradford Forster Square will be severely limited unless capacity at Leeds is improved.

Mr Rice said: "Leeds is so strategically important from a network point of view.

"The focus on Leeds isn't because we think other areas of West Yorkshire are less important, but from a system planning point of view, if we get Leeds right, everywhere benefits."

The number of rail passengers travelling to Leeds is predicted to increase by 34 per cent by 2026 and by 81 per cent to 2043.

During the meeting members also discussed the possibility of lengthening platform 17 at Leeds. The meeting heard that while that would boost capacity across West Yorkshire, such a project was unlikely to be imminent.