CALLS have been made for a railway station for Elland.
So far more than 1,000 residents have backed the proposal to get the town on the trainline.
The former Elland station shut in 1962 and demands have been made over the years.
And Metro, the public transport operator for West Yorkshire, is looking at the issue.
A Metro spokesman said: “Metro has been asked by members of its Calderdale District Liaison Committee to look at the business case for a new Rail Station at Elland.
“The business case will take into account local developments in and around Elland, as well as the potential number of passengers using the station, the level of service and the type of trains used.
“Metro and its industry partners would need to take into account the effects on other services along the Caldervale and Huddersfield Lines, as well as the effects of the proposed electrification of the line between Manchester, Huddersfield and Leeds.”
Angi Gallagher, Labour’s candidate for Elland in the local elections, is backing the campaigning group which will seek to win public support for the proposal.
The new group dubbed GEARS (Give Elland a Railway Station) – has already got public backing.
Angi said: “Elland has a growing population, and more people are coming to our town to work.
“I have always seen the case for a railway station – we’re in a crucial position on the transport network between Leeds and Manchester, and this would be a vital investment to help the town thrive.
“My Labour colleagues on the council have already persuaded Metro (West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority) to look again at the business case for Elland station.
“I’m optimistic about the chances, but we need to show that there is strong public support.
“I want to see a broadly-based campaign, involving local people, businesses and organisations who care for our town, working together to make a convincing case for Elland and its future prosperity.”
