‘New rail station is on the right lines!’ (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

‘New rail station is on the right lines!’

9:16pm Friday 15th May 2009

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by Will Kilner City Centre Reporter These new images of a proposed railway station have gone on display at a public consultation event.

Residents have been invited to give their views on plans for a new rail station at Apperley Bridge, including a new access road off Apperley Lane leading to a 300-space car park.

The new stations at Apperley Bridge and Kirkstall Forge will have a combined cost of £16.74 million.

Staff at Metro and Network Rail answered the public’s questions during the first day of the consultation event yesterday. The event was set to continue today from 10am to 2pm at Woodhouse Grove School.

David Humphreys, headmaster of Woodhouse Grove, said “Not only will it substantially reduce car traffic and congestion on Harrogate Road at peak times but also on our school campus at drop off and pick up times.

“It will also make the school more accessible to staff and pupils who live further away in terms of commuting time and indeed reduce their transport costs considerably.”

Subject to approval, the station could open in 2012, with two trains per hour calling in each direction between Leeds and Bradford Forster Square.

Ramps leading down to the platforms will make the station fully accessible to disabled people, while CCTV surveillance and passenger help points will be introduced as security measures.

The proposed station forms part of plans to improve services between major centres in West Yorkshire and the wider City Region by tackling congestion and expanding capacity.

Bradford Councillor Chris Greaves, chairman of Metro, said: “Apperley Bridge, and its proposed sister station at Kirkstall Forge, will help reduce congestion on local roads by taking off commuter journeys between Leeds, Shipley and Bradford.

“And because electric trains – like the class 333 trains that pass through the site at the moment – will call at the station there will be reduced CO2 emissions too, which is good for everyone.

“I remember the original station when I was a pupil at Woodhouse Grove, and I’m pleased that Metro has the opportunity to bring it back.”

Warrick Dent, area general manager for Network Rail, said: “This is an incredibly busy route and this new station is a vital part of our plans to continue to grow and develop the railways in Yorkshire.”

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