PLANS to build a Co-op mini-market on the site of Haworth’s old fire station are being supported by the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.

But the volunteer-run railway has expressed concern about the proposed store’s location next to its engineering shed and car park.

The heritage line’s mixed feelings were revealed by chairman Dr Matt Stroh as the Co-op this month applied for a licence to sell alcohol from the premises.

The Cooperative Group Food Ltd has asked Bradford Council for permission to sell alcohol seven days a week from 6am to 11pm. The request followed a formal application to the council last month for planning permission.

As part of its application, the Co-op said a pedestrian route from Station Road to the rear of the building would lead to an area for enthusiasts to enjoy views of the trains.

KWVR chairman Matt Stroh has commented on the council’s planning website about the Co-op’s plans, along with dozens of local residents.

He pledged the railway’s support “in principle” for the mini-market plans, but said: “We are worried that if shop customers find it difficult to access the site from the entrance that they may park in our car park and use the proposed pedestrian access point to our land. Similarly, we are concerned that our car park might become a pedestrian thoroughfare from the Butt Lane and Mill Hey areas.

“We are unlikely to support the reopening of the access point unless a means of managing flows of people across our operational land is implemented.”

Mr Stroh is also concerned that the proposed railway viewing area might encourage an “unmanaged flow” of pedestrians through the station car park.