ILKLEY MP John Grogan has written to Transport ministers supporting the bid of West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and rail operator Northern to build a replacement footbridge with a lift at Ben Rhydding Station.

The Department for Transport and Network Rail have announced that £300 Million has been made available for their ‘Access for All Programme’, first introduced in 2006. The funding is used to create an obstacle free, accessible route from station entrances to the platform.

WYCA and Northern have submitted an application to the Department for Transport and Network Rail to provide the £2.5million required to complete their plans at Ben Rhydding Station.

Mr Grogan said: “Disabled access is poor at Ben Rhydding Station at the moment and I receive frequent complaints from constituents who find it difficult to use the trains as a result. A new car park is also being considered to provide additional capacity for commuters adjacent to the station which increases the urgency to take some action on access. Ilkley and Ben Rhydding have an above average percentage of elderly residents some with mobility problems. In addition I know many young dads and mums who struggle at the existing footbridge with pushchairs.”

A decision on the bid is expected in the New Year. All work under the Access for Work programme will be carried out over the period 2019-2024. Mr Grogan added: "This week’s announcement about the Access for All bid comes just a few weeks after the installation of security cameras at the station. I very much hope that Bradford Council, as part of their response to the current Ilkley Parking consultation, will soon announce whether they are going to build a new car park on land adjacent to the station."