A WHARFEDALE MP is campaigning for the rights of disabled rail travellers as part of the drive to improve access at local stations.

Burley and Menston MP Philip Davies is tackling the Department for Transport in a bid to win access between platforms at Menston Station for those unable to climb the steep steps to the footbridge.

He backed the campaign led by Wharfedale Rail Users Group after learning that members of Ilkley Parish Council have asked why people in wheelchairs are being advised to catch a train to another station and catch one back to Menston simply to change platforms.

Mr Davies believes things are looking up for Menston people, as West Yorkshire Passenger Trans-port Executive, Metro, is lobbying the Department for Transport for a share in soon-to-be-announced National Access for All funding.

Metro has also been pushing local train operator Northern Rail for investment for access at local stations, and it is believed that Menston Station is classed as one of Metro's priorities for cross-platform access.

But Mr Davies says he will be taking the matter further with the Department for Transport, after a letter from the department saying money had already been spent on accessibility improvements at the station.

The department reminded Mr Davies that disabled parking spaces have already been provided at Menston.

Tactile surfaces have been put down on platforms to assist people with visual impairment, and an induction loop was fitted to the ticket office for the benefit of those with hearing problems.

Mr Davies said: "It's pointless having disabled parking spaces if you can't go from one platform to the other. I'm a little concerned that they seem to be saying Menston has already had some money."

He recently went to Menston Station to meet members of Wharfedale Rail Users' Group (WRUG) and see the problem for himself.

WRUG has been the main campaigner for a crossing at Menston Station, but Guiseley and Ben Rhydding stations, also on the Wharfedale Line, do not have easy access between platforms for disabled passengers either.

The two platforms at Menston Station, along with those at Guiseley and Ben Rhydding stations, are linked by footbridges with steep flights of steps on either side.

Passengers in wheelchairs or with limited mobility can only change platform by catching a train on to another station with better access, or by following a long route by road to get to the opposite side of the station.

Burley Station's platforms are also connected by a footbridge, but the route by road from one side of the station to the other is not as long.

Villagers have been calling for some time for a 'barrow' crossing, at Menston enabling people to cross the lines themselves, but rail bosses say this is unsafe - despite there being a wooden crossing further along the line between Menston and Burley.

Other options would include building gradual ramps to the footbridges or creating an underpass, both of which would be extremely costly.