The news has come today that the proposed Leeds NGT trolleybus scheme has been ruled ‘not suitable for development’ by the Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

The project attracted huge controversy after local communities protested that it could not deliver the improved journey times being promised, and would damage the local environment, local businesses and precious green space. The decision today follows an extensive public inquiry undertaken in 2014.

The £173m which the government would have contributed to the trolleybus scheme will still be retained for spending in Leeds, however. This means that the door is now open for a proper discussion about what transport solutions might actually work for our community: for example light rail, a tram or improvements to the existing bus services.

The full story is covered here by the Yorkshire Evening Post.