A SCHEME to make Menston Railway Station fully accessible for people with limited mobility is expected to start within a matter of weeks, an MP has been told by Government.

Shipley's Conservative MP Philip Davies - whose constituency includes Menston - campaigned for the station to be given government funding under the Access For All scheme.

The busy two platform station has no lifts or way for a disabled passenger to get from one side to the other, posing problems if someone were to drive and park in one of the multiple disabled bays at the station.

The plan is to reconfigure the existing bridge, realign the stairs and install two 11-metre high, stone-faced lift towers alongside the bridge, one on each platform.

On Thursday, in a written answer to Mr Davies, Transport Minister Huw Merriman said Network Rail expect work to begin in late March and be completed by the end of February 2025.

Mr Davies said: “I am pleased we now have a confirmation of a time scale for this vital project. I have constantly been raising this matter with officials at the Department for Transport and Network Rail as it is much needed and has been too slow in making progress.

“This will make a really difference to my constituents, many of whom struggle to use the station. Once these upgrade works are completed it will mean disabled people, or those with prams and buggies will have the same access to travel as everyone else and will end the ridiculous situation whereby both platforms are accessible but linked via a footbridge.”

Over the years Mr Davies has raised the issue with many transport ministers and also led a debate in Westminster Hall on the issue.

On January 17, 2024 Mr Davies tabled the following question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the Access For All works at Menston railway station will be completed.

The answer was submitted on January 25, 2024 from Huw Merriman, who said: "We are committed to delivering the Menston Access for All programme in full. Network Rail currently expect work to start on site in late March 2024 and completion is planned for late February 2025."

A planning application by Network Rail for prior approval to install lift towers, a revised footbridge and approach stairs (Access For All Scheme) at the station in Station Road, Menston, was granted by Bradford Council's planning department in May 2022.