A train station which has left passengers feeling "vulnerable" is to get improved security.

Concerns have been raised about the intimidating nature of Shipley station because of its dark corners and subway.

Rail chief hope to improve the situation by installing CCTV

in the subway to reassure passengers.

The upgrade was planned by operator, Northern Rail, after a joint inspection with passenger transport executive Metro reveal-ed the need for a safety boost.

The new improvements follow-on from a £500,000 make-over last year, funded by Metro, to three waiting rooms on platform one, two and five, and CCTV cameras.

The new work is expected to be completed by early 2006.

A Northern Rail spokesman said: "This is part an ongoing drive by Northern Rail to improve conditions for passenger safety. I hope this will encourage more people to use our service."

But Councillor Martin Love (Shipley, Green) said the station needed a complete overhaul in line with the Airedale Master-plan, a regeneration blueprint for the area. The masterplan states that the car park creates an empty threatening atmosphere in the evening.

Coun Love said: "The tunnels are quite intimidating in winter and it does affect the usage. People say they won't use it because of the access, unless they can park and drive there. As specified in the Airedale Masterplan, a total revamp is needed.

The Northern Rail spokesman said: "This is part of been identified that Shipley station doesn't serve the people of Shipley because it's out of the town centre - it's not easy for pedestrians to go across from the centre. We want to make access better so the station becomes more usable. These short-term measures are welcomed to reassure people in the meantime."

The masterplan proposes the replacement of the current car park, with a new multi-storey car park in the former quarry between the railway station and the town centre. The new car park would provide park-and-ride to serve the stations.

British Transport Police are pleased with the progress at the train station and are looking to get some officers based at the station permanently.

BTP Sergeant Saeed Ahmad said: "There have been vast improvements in the past year - lights have been put on the walls of the station and in the subway, parking is better, and there is a new digital system. There was a feeling of insecurity before this and a feeling of being vulnerable to crime, especially by women. We welcome the new cameras. These measures will help us prevent and detect any crime."