RAIL commuters in Guiseley and Horsforth are on track for better facilities when the two busy train stations are restored to their former glory - at a cost of more than £840,000.

Ambitious plans unveiled by transport chiefs this week include new waiting rooms, ticket offices and improved security, with the Guiseley improvements part of plans to promote it as the station serving neighbouring Leeds-Bradford Airport at Yeadon.

The Guiseley improvements, which will cost about £392,000, will include a new waiting area and ticket office on the Ilkley-bound platform and waiting facilities on the Leeds-Bradford bound side as well as a unisex public toilet and baby-changing facilities.

An airport spokesman said they chose Guiseley as a link station because it had services to both major local cities - Leeds and Bradford.

But Guiseley's role is likely to be short-lived, with airport chiefs saying the long-term solution may include a station at the airport or a new station at Bramhope. Guiseley is considered only a short-term option.

Negotiations are currently ongoing between airport management and local taxi companies to establish reliable and quick services between

The announcement also follows a public meeting earlier this year held by Horsforth Town Council, where councillors complained about over-crowding on trains as well as crowded and poor facilities at the station.

Coun Chris Townsley (Lib Dem, Horsforth) welcomed the improvements. "Hors-forth is becoming a car park and we need to improve public transport to encourage people to get out of their cars. The improvements are very welcome."

He added that the renovation of Guiseley was long-overdue, with figures from two years ago showing that more than 900 people used the station at peak times - and its popularity has increased since then.

The plans have been drawn up in partnership by the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority and train operator Northern Spirit, which will bear the brunt of the costs.

l The Wharfedale Line should, from next month, also benefit from the appearance of the state-of-the-art Class 333 trains at regular intervals