Improvement work is on track at one of the district’s rail stations, as the efforts of a group of volunteers is praised.

Work has started at Baildon station, including the installation of a new ticket machine and a passenger shelter with CCTV.

These were two of the main changes requested by passengers following a survey carried out by the Friends of Baildon Station (FOBS) group.

Northern, which runs service on the line, said the work would be completed within the next month.

Gill Dixon, Baildon Town councillor and member of FOBS, said: “It is fantastic that Northern have listened to our survey results and taken action to address some of the issues which the public said were important.

“These facilities will really make a difference to everyone who uses the train at Baildon. It is very encouraging.”

FOBS’ efforts were also praised by Northern bosses.

Richard Isaac, regional community and sustainability manager for Northern, said: “I would like to thank FOBS for highlighting the issues on station since their recent establishment.

“We have listened to the views and opinions of the communities we serve in Baildon and the recent investment by Arriva Northern in Baildon station is a direct result.

“FOBS have forged a great partnership with Arriva Northern, which has resulted in a transformation of the station.

“The station now has a buzz about it and is quickly becoming a gateway to the village to be proud of. In the Arriva Northern franchise area FOBS are a great example of how a small group of volunteers with a vision to support their local community can make a massive difference and they should be proud of their achievements in such a short period of time.”

Passengers will also have seen improvements to the station’s appearance after Baildon Station Blooms - a small group of volunteers - carried out planting, tidying and general upkeep of the site. Other future changes following FOBS’ survey may include a toilet for passengers at Shipley station. Baildon passengers often have to wait for at least 20 minutes at Shipley, if they are travelling onto Leeds. A total of 83 per cent of passengers who answered FOBS’ survey called for this change.

Following a site visit between FOBS and Northern staff, options are now being costed as a first step to providing this facility.

FOBS has also successfully lobbied for two service changes, including a crucial bus timetable amendment, so the 656 bus arrives slightly later to collect passengers on the train arriving at 5.28pm. An improved Sunday train service from Baildon will be introduced from December 17.