Members of a pressure group are counting down the days to a decision that could prove “crucial” in their lengthy campaign to get a new rail station built in Bradford.

Plans to reopen the intermediate station at Low Moor, on the Caldervale line, have been in the melting pot since the 1990s.

Now the scheme has advanced to a stage where the Regional Transport Board is being asked to approve funding for the station.

At a pivotal meeting on Friday, January 23, the board will decide if it wants to back the scheme to the tune of £6 million.

Bradford Rail Users’ Group, which has campaigned for the station to reopen since it was formed, said the funding would be a major boost.

Member Ken Ellison said: “The decision is crucial. The sooner we have that station the better because it’s going to be so useful for Low Moor and the surrounding area.”

Alec Suchi, a fellow member, said: “The financial situation is important but it’s not the only obstacle.

“I understand that there are still issues of land ownership and site access to resolve. But the funding could be a big boost because it may help to speed up the other points that need sorting out.”

Mr Suchi said Low Moor station had been part of Metro’s plans since at least the 1990s, possibly even the 1980s.

He said five new stations – Low Moor, Glasshoughton, Apperley Bridge, Kirkstall and Horsforth Woodside – had been highlighted in Metro’s Rail Plan 5 back in 2000.

A spokesman for Metro said: “Metro’s proposal for a new £6 million rail station at Low Moor, between Bradford Interchange and Halifax on the Caldervale Line, is a priority within Metro’s Rail Plan 6, the current development strategy for West Yorkshire’s rail network.

“At the end of last year, Metro submitted a bid to the Regional Transport Board for Regional Funding Allocation support in respect of the new station scheme and this bid is currently being prioritised.

“Metro should find out later this month whether the scheme has the Regional Transport Board’s endorsement.”