HOPES for a new footbridge at Menston Railway Station appear to have hit the buffers.

Arriva Trains Northern have rejected a request by Menston Neighbourhood Forum for another bridge over the tracks.

Councillor Chris Greaves (Con, Rombalds) told last Wednesday's Forum meeting: "It is not satisfactory because the way round to the existing bridge is about 700 yards which makes it difficult for elderly and disabled travellers.

"It is like telling someone wanting to get around the river at Burley-in-Wharfedale to go via Otley. It is unacceptable."

But Peter Cushing, regional director of Arriva Trains said in a letter read out at the meeting: "I have investigated the issue of a foot crossing at Menston, however, given the responses I have received I think it extremely unlikely this would be agreed.

"The current position of Arriva Trains Northern, HMRI and Rail-track Eastern Zone is that installation of a new station foot crossing where alternative access exists, introduces an unacceptable and entirely avoidable risk given that both the platforms at Menston are accessible to disabled passengers, albeit by a circuitous route.

"The only locations where foot crossings are considered are where there is no alternative disable access and in these instances, sightlines and crossing must be in accordance with 'Railway Safety Principles and Guidance on Level Crossings' which entails risk assessment and proper control measures.

"If a barrow crossing is fitted, in order to meet current Railtrack Group standards, this has to be incorporated into the signalling system. This means slowing trains in certain circumstances and also incorporated Whistle Boards in both directions."

But Chris Hartley, who uses the train station to regularly travel to Ilkley, said that elderly residents have difficulty getting round and that if there was a crossing it would be much easier for them.

"I think we should take this issue back again to the people at Arriva. It is a very big problem."