THE long-awaited new £10 million Low Moor railway station in Bradford opened today - with more than 100 people climbing aboard the first two trains.

The first train to call at Low Moor for more than 50 years was the 8.02am Grand Central Rail service to London King’s Cross.

It was followed by the 8.32am Northern service to Halifax.

Dave Stevens, chairman of the Friends of Low Moor group, said about 50 people got on the Grand Central service.

More than 60 people were at the station for the Northern service, with many climbing aboard.

Mr Stevens said: “Many people thought this was never going to happen, but we have worked really hard with Metro to solve the problems that have bedevilled the development of the station.

“We have worked hard to evidence that it was needed - and just look at the number of people that have turned up. About another 50 got on the Grand Central service at 8.02.”

Andrea Howard, 64, of Low Moor, said: “We have been waiting for this for yonks. It will make such a difference. I will use it to go into Halifax and Bradford, and hopefully Manchester as well. I have a friend in Cheshire, so I could meet in Manchester and not worry about parking.”

Councillor David Warburton (Lab, Wyke) said: “I think it is absolutely brilliant. It just shows that when we say we are going to do something, that we come up with the goods.

“We started on it about ten years ago when a local resident first organised a meeting. We have been working very hard for many years lobbying people, and it is great now that the official opening is here for the station. It has been a long, hard slog, but we have got there.”

He added: “The main body of work has been done by the ward councillors. It shows that, as ward councillors, we do not just bandy words about - we get things done.

“We have had a lot of support from the community, especially from Oakenshaw Residents’ Association and businesses and the Chamber of Commerce.

“We knew that there was a business case there and that we could make it stick up if we got the support from Metro and the government, and we lobbied on that.”

Cllr Sarah Ferriby (Lab, Wyke) said: “It is a great day for Low Moor, Wyke, the station and for Bradford South.

“It has been a long time coming and has taken ward councillors over ten years of hard work and conversations and pushing against locked doors.

“It is a great feeling now. It is absolutely fantastic for residents and businesses and for visitors.”

A ceremony to mark the opening of the new station will take place tomorrow at 10.30am.