IMPROVED transport links could be established between Otley and Menston.

The commitment was made following a meeting between MP Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) and a number of transport firms and organisations.

Representatives from First Bus, train operator Northern, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Transdev and Network Rail all took part.

Mr Sobel arranged the meeting to call for a 'joined-up approach' to connection and capacity issues and flag up other concerns on behalf of his constituents.

He said: "I have received a large volume of correspondence from constituents across Wharfedale concerned with overcrowded, uncomfortable trains as well as many who are dissatisfied with the connection between buses from Otley and Yeadon meeting trains leaving Menston.

"At the meeting I raised this directly with First Bus who have promised to improve the connectivity of morning services to Menston from Otley and Yeadon.

"The bus and train companies are also going to work better together to promote and communicate their services at both Menston Station and Otley Bus Station.

"I demanded that overcrowding be addressed and was assured by Northern that they would put on new trains with extra carriages, including new six-carriage trains at peak time with the aim for them to be rolled out at the end of the year.

"This, alongside more frequent express trains to Harrogate will take pressure off the commuter lines from and into Leeds. If I don’t see the action I will raise this with the Chief Executive of Northern and in Parliament."

Martin Hirst, from First Bus, said: "Getting services right from Otley to Menston is vital for commuters and we will do all that we can to make sure our buses link up as well as possible with trains into Leeds and Bradford.

"We at First are pleased that Alex Sobel is communicating with us to represent constituent views so that we can best review our journeys and timetables."

Peter Myers, from Northern, added: "I was pleased to attend this meeting.

"Northern has had a difficult few months and we are happy to work with local MPs and other transport organisations to ensure that local transport is the best it can be.

"I’d like to thank Alex Sobel for being proactive in convening this and for prioritising transport in Leeds North West."

Mr Sobel previously met representatives from Northern and Network Rail in June to highlight concerns about the number of cancellations and delays that took place following the introduction of a new timetable.