A CAMPAIGN to get the Leeds-Harrogate-York line electrified has taken a major step forward with the recommendation that the scheme should be prioritised.

The North of England Electrification Task Force put it forward last week as one of 12 routes the government should improve as a priority.

The Task Force looked at 32 routes in the north of England and grouped them into three tiers based on their ability to contribute to local economic plans, how they fit with other schemes, and the number of diesel kilometres of running they would replace.

Three core criteria were agreed: economic benefits; impact on services, costs and environment; and better train capacity and quality.

The report has now gone to the Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin with the recommendation that proposals should be further developed for the 12 routes.

The routes, classed as Tier One schemes, will be now be considered for Network Rail’s programme of work for 2019-24.

A day before the announcement Greg Mulholland led a cross-party delegation of MPs to meet treasury minister Danny Alexander, to argue the case for electrification.

Mr Mulholland said: “This is excellent news and something I have long called for, raising it as recently as Wednesday in a meeting with the treasury minister. The task force’s recommendation takes us one step closer to seeing the Leeds-Harrogate-York line electrified and many businesses and residents will be happy to hear this. I will continue to push for it.”

Supporters say the scheme would improve the quantity, quality and reliability of trains on the route, which runs through Horsforth.

Brian Dunsby, chief executive of Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce, has been at the forefront of calls for electrification.

Campaigners have called for years for the line to be electrified in a similar way to the electrification of the Airedale and Wharfedale routes to Skipton and Ilkley.