A LABOUR MP has warned extending of M65 across the Pennines into Yorkshire is unlikely to happen until at least 2030.

Keighley's John Grogan was reacting to the announcement by Transport for the North (TfN) that it is appraising possible motorway routes between a car park in Colne, where the M65 currently ends, and the A1(M).

Mr Grogan believes extending the East Lancashire Line to Skipton could happen by 2025.

Extending the motorway, which currently runs through Blackburn and Burnley to Colne, in Lancashire has been described as a 'game-changer' by Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry.

Mr Grogan said: “For 40 years there has been talk of extending the motorway into Yorkshire to create another cross-Pennine motorway route.

“I think there could be significant advantages in terms of economic regeneration.

“I am advised that the Skipton Colne railway link could be built in the period 2020-2025.”

“For an extension of the M65 I think you are talking beyond 2030 as the idea is at a very early stage."

His Hyndburn Labour MP Graham Jones said: "Extending the M65 is a major project which could take many years to design and build.

"This will not stop me campaigning to get the scheme under way at the fastest possible pace."