A FEASIBILITY study on expanding the rail car parks at Ben Rhydding and Guiseley stations is expected to be completed by March 2020.

The issue was discussed when Ilkley’s MP John Grogan met with local councillors and officers from West Yorkshire Combined Authority at the end of July. Ilkley’s hopper bus and Ilkley’s new parking scheme were also discussed.

Mr Grogan said: “There was general enthusiasm for the idea of the return of the hopper bus to its previous timetable running from early morning to the evening. A costing will now be worked out and further discussions held.”

He added: “The West Yorkshire Combined Authority said they will complete a feasibility study on expanding the rail car parks at Ben Rhydding and Guiseley stations by March 2020. If any proposal is advanced it would then be subject to a full planning process. The issues of access and impact on local residents would have to be carefully considered .”

Three main points were raised in relation to Ilkley’s new parking scheme and Mr Grogan agreed to make representations to Bradford Council about them.

He said the first issue was about residents in some streets finding it hard to park because of the number of business permits issued.

The second revolved around the charge of £1 in car parks after 6pm whilst on street parking remained free.

“Thirdly there was there was the issue that the limit on stays in the car parks of 6 hours on Sundays and Bank Holidays did not allow visitors to spend a full day enjoying what the town has to offer,” Mr Grogan said.