THE historic site of a former railway station in a Bradford district village has been recognised by a new information board where new homes now stand in its place.

Seventy-two new homes have been built at the site of the old Denholme Station, which first opened in 1884.

The railway line and station played an important part in the development of Denholme, bringing vital goods to the area.

It linked Bradford to towns like Keighley and Halifax, then much further into the wider country-wide network.

A song was even penned by locals to celebrate its opening, mentioning fish from Morecambe, Cheshire cheese and eggs from Belfast.

The station closed to the public in 1955 as part of the closure of the Great Northern Railway network.

After a brief period, the station was still open for freight goods to be transported before it officially closed in the early 1960s.

Well-known Bradford timber firm CR Taylor then operated from the site until around 15 years ago.

The site has since been acquired by Together Housing – one of the north of England’s largest housing associations with more than 36,000 homes across the region.

And now, following Together Housing’s collaboration with Countryside Partnerships, a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroomed homes now stands on the site, bringing  affordable housing to the area. All are available to rent through the Bradford Homes system.

Together Housing has recognised the site’s specific historical interest by donating £500 to help the Great Northern Railway Train Development Group (GNRTDG) produce and install an information board on the new estate.

GRNTDG’s Richard Kunz said: “We’re extremely grateful to be partnering with Together Housing to recognise the historic Denholme station site.

“Before this station, Denholme was an extremely isolated community. Although the line was developed to help people and goods to go between Keighley, Bradford and Halifax, it brought the world to Denholme.

“It enabled new mills to be built, new homes to be developed and brought goods to the people who lived here.

“We know this new community will help the spirit of the station to live on and reconnect the area again along the old railway line to Keighley through this beautiful countryside.”

Together Housing neighbourhood officer, Kathryn Bate, said: “These lovely new homes close to Denholme village have something for everyone.”

Each home includes a modern kitchen, spacious garden and private parking.