Train passengers in Horsforth are being promised a better service following a £16 million package of work on the Harrogate to Leeds line.

Network Rail has pledged improvements that will make it easier to increase the number of trains.

They have installed a new signalling system to replace the old one, which has been in place for many decades, and say this will improve the reliability of the route between Kirkstall Viaduct and Harrogate station.

And Network Rail has built a turnback at Horsforth, which will allow Northern Rail to run a shuttle service between Horsforth and Leeds in the future. They say the new equipment will not only be more reliable, but will allow for future increases in line speed and regularity of services.

Network Rail general manager Warrick Dent said: “The Harrogate line is a real success story and passenger demand is expected to grow.

“This is just one of many projects we are completing to improve services for passengers in the area. Others include resignalling between South Kirby and Wakefield and between Huddersfield and Bradford; a new southern entrance at Leeds station; a turnback at Micklefield and with local partners, new stations at Kirkstall Forge and Apperley Bridge.”

Signalling work on the Harrogate line has involved the installation of new equipment, structures and bases along the route. Engineers have also installed new track, sleepers and ballast for the turnback close to Horsforth station.

Before the work began in April, Network Rail said “significant” earth and drainage works would be completed on the land, which was bought from Leeds City Council. It has worked with Natural England and the Environment Agency, and all vegetation it had to remove will be replaced with wildlife and railway-friendly flora.