Calderdale car park earmarked for improvements with government cash

West Yorkshire Combined Authority has successfully passed a “gateway review” looking at how it has invested more than £180m over the past five years in improvements through its West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund.

The review considered decision making processes, delivery and value for money and as a result, Government has unlocked a further £150m which will be invested from 2021–2026 to improve public transport, cycling and walking routes in West Yorkshire, as well as reduce congestion and air pollution.

One scheme now expected to be completed as a result of the extra cash is a car park scheme for Mytholmroyd to meet Transport Fund goals of improving access to public transport, encouraging more people to use Mytholmroyd Railway Station.

The authority approved the scheme around 18 months ago and the car park at the station will provide around 200 spaces for rail users.

Coun Susan Hinchcliffe, who chairs West Yorkshire Combined Authority and is leader Bradford Council, said: “We welcome this strong endorsement, which shows that the Combined Authority is investing public money wisely.

“By delivering schemes like new rail stations, park and ride facilities and improved cycle paths, we are making a real difference to people’s quality of life.”

This funding is in addition to the Transforming Cities Fund, a £317m package of investment secured by West Yorkshire’s council Leaders as part of the landmark devolution deal, agreed with Government in March 2020.

In its first five years, the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund has supported 54 projects, investing over £127m in improved transport infrastructure.