Labour’s Shadow Rail Minister Stephen Morgan MP visited Ilkley Railway Station, accompanied by Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Keighley and Ilkley John Grogan. They met representatives of the Friends of Ilkley Rail Station and Northern Trains.

Mr Grogan said: "Ilkley Railway station has been at the heart of the town since it opened in 1865. Once again it has over a million passengers a year recovering well from the stark decline during the pandemic.

"It was good to discuss the ambitious plans of the Friends of Ilkley Rail Station as well as hear about Bradford Council’s plans to shift school students from buses to trains."

But he warned of a "double whammy" facing Ilkley rail passengers at the start of March, with another strike on Friday (March 1) and a hike in fares coming into effect next Sunday (March 3).

"Whilst the Government is stressing the importance of cutting inflation it doesn't seem right it's imposing fare increases of this magnitude," says Mr Grogan.

Stephen Morgan added: "It was great to visit Ilkley with John Grogan to see the transport issues facing local people."