Local MP Robbie Moore has visited Keighley railway station to take a look at the long-awaited station upgrades secured last year.
The project will see the refurbishment of the main station buildings, the strengthening of footbridges over rail lines, and repairs to the bridge over the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway line, with the project expected to extend the lifespan of the bridge by more than 30 years.
Replica Georgian glazing will also be installed, improving the look of the building and preserving the station's historical character, and enhanced station roof drainage systems will prevent water ingress, reducing the need for frequent interventions and safeguarding the station against future damage.
Initially announced in 2019 and backed by £9 million of ring-fenced funding, delays to the refurbishments drew anger and criticism from local residents, including the town’s MP Robbie Moore.
The MP met with representatives of Network Rail and Northern Rail in November 2022 to discuss the planned project, stating at the time “I am fed up of funds being allocated for projects but delivery being constantly delayed” and calling on both organisations to "get on with it”.
Mr Moore then elevated the issue to Parliament in February 2023, with leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt responding that the delays were “putting [Keighley’s] constituents at a disadvantage” and raising the matter directly with the Secretary of State for Transport.
Robbie Moore MP said:
"After years of lobbying, numerous meetings with Network Rail and Northern and my repeated calls in Parliament for them to “get on with it” over the past few years - it's great to see improvement works at Keighley Station are well underway.
Keighley railway station holds immense historical and cultural significance for our town and serves as a vital transportation hub for well over a million passengers every year.
I will continue to closely monitor the progress of this project and hold Network Rail to account so that we can ensure the timely completion of these refurbishments."
