Campaigners: ‘We’re sick of broken promises over Low Moor station’ (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Campaigners vent anger at meeting over delays and ‘broken promises’ on plans for new Low Moor railway station

10:58pm Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in News By Rhys Thomas, T&A Reporter

Angry locals voiced their frustration last night at the long-running saga of a new rail station for Low Moor.

More than 70 people turned up for a public meeting with representatives from Metro, Network Rail and Northern Rail.

Many residents let rip at the trio, asking why it is taking so long for Low Moor to get a station, with the latest completion date set at 2015.

Others suggested that the project was never going to go ahead and that those behind it were just giving excuses before they pulled the plug.

Councillor David Robinson (Ind, Wyke) said people were sick of broken promises and pointed to the fact that the new station has been in the pipeline since at least 2000.

He said: “I believe that Bradfordians in Bradford South have been let down and led up the garden path by Metro and Northern Rail.

“I feel that without the pressure of councillors and others, Low Moor would have been kicked into the long grass long ago. We are determined that it will not be the case.”

Coun Sarah Ferriby (Lab, Wyke) said: “People in this area are very passionate about this station. Bradford South has no station at all.”

One angry resident said: “It is ludicrous. You talk about years like we talk about days.”

Another told of his frustration at his train passing near his home in Low Moor, only to drop him a 40-minute bus ride away instead.

One added that only two of ten proposed local stations had been built in West Yorkshire in the last 15 years.

He said: “It’s excuses all the time. I believe there is no intention of building Low Moor station whatsoever.”

Peter Marsh, senior development manager at Network Rail, responded by saying that was “absolutely not the case”.

The meeting was told that the process for a new station was at stage four of eight, with four almost complete. Concerned residents were assured that after stage four was just production of a detailed design, construction and completion.

David Hogarth, director of development at Metro, said he understood people’s frustration, but added that rules and regulations introduced over the past few years had to be met over various issues.

“We have a programme here – it is just running later than expected,” he added.

Speaking after the meeting, Coun Robinson said: “I am still extremely sceptical.”

Mr Hogarth promised to use feedback from the meeting and to keep residents updated regularly on the project’s progress over the coming months.