Reaction to multi-million pound upgrade plan for Brighouse rail station

Members of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s investment committee will discuss a £7.4 million proposal to improve access to both Brighouse Station and the under development Elland Rail Station.

The scheme will be funded through the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund, and is an attempt to get more people to ditch cars and use public transport. In Brighouse, the works will include junction improvements for cycling and walking from the north of Brighouse to the town centre, and improving access by foot and bike to the rail station.

It will also tie in with plans to boost pedestrian and cycle routes in Brighouse.

Figures in the community have welcomed the plans.

Paul Marshall, on behalf of the Friends of Brighouse Station, said: “Over the years the Friends of Brighouse Station have worked hard to improve the visual effect of the station car park entrance.

"Changes to access of the station and the outdated junction at Birds Royd and Huddersfield Road would greatly improve another of the gateways to Brighouse if these improvements could be continued into the town.”

John Buxton, who runs Ryecorn Wholefoods in Brighouse, is a Grand Central ambassador at Brighouse station.

He said: “Any investment in Brighouse Train Station is always welcome.

“The Grand Central ambassadors and Friends of Brighouse Station have worked wonders at improving the look of the station.

“It is now a pleasant and welcoming station and this volunteer work has been rewarded with many awards.

“I hope the volunteer groups are involved with any planned investment because we spend a lot of time helping passengers and have a very good grasp of areas that need improvement.”

He went on to comment: “As I understand it, the improvements to Brighouse Station are for access for cyclists and pedestrians.

“Luckily the station is not a long way from the town centre but requires two lighted crossings to be navigated.

“Having done this route many times, I feel that there are greater needs at the station, namely more parking space as the free parking space is full by 7.15am during the week, necessitating on-street parking around the area which can cause problems for the local residents.

“Any endeavour to increase the use of bicycles would require more cycle stands at the station as there are only three cabins and only on platform two and the number of bicycles is limited that can be carried on trains.”

A spokesperson from Brighouse BID said: “Brighouse train station is within easy walking distance of the high street, the main shopping areas and beautiful walks along the canal. However, the station is currently a generally poor gateway to Brighouse with difficult access and poor signage to encourage people into town.

"Redevelopment of the station will significantly improve the pedestrian access into Brighouse and will be a fresh and modern welcome to those visiting. Providing better connections to shops, restaurants and bars as well as the bus station and cycle routes will help the local economy grow.”