TALKS are under way for a further platform at Huddersfield Railway Station.

There may also be a bridge built from the car park opposite platform eight direct into the station in a bid to improve traveller services.

Kirklees Council leader Clr Mehboob Khan said talks were being held with Network Rail and the Leeds City Region about potential improvements at the station, which is owned by the council.

Clr Khan recently attended meetings with Network Rail about rail travel throughout West Yorkshire and revealed: “There were discussions about improving Huddersfield, Halifax and Bradford stations.

“We’re talking about what we can do at Huddersfield. Network Rail don’t own the station – it’s one of the few they don’t – so we need to ensure upgrades can take place.

“With the electrification of the TransPennine line we hope commuter flow will increase and we want a station fit for that.

“One of the discussions relates to the large car park opposite platform eight which doesn’t have a direct route into the station. We’re looking at a way of linking that up.

“Also there’s potential for creating a ninth platform.

“They are very much future aspirations but ones which, by working with Network Rail and the regional board we can work to make happen.”

After Leeds, Huddersfield is the second busiest railway station in West Yorkshire and is one of only two Grade I Listed railway stations in England, outside London. The station is managed by First TransPennine Express.

The new platform would be platform nine under the present numbering sequence, although there are currently no platforms three or seven.

It was revealed at last week’s Calderdale full council meeting that councillors were looking at the feasibility of a railway station for Elland as part of the borough’s Local Plan.

And Clr Khan, in his role as a member of the Leeds City Region, also spoke about plans in Halifax, adding: “We’re trying to get improvements at Halifax station to improve direct links between them and other towns and cities to help Halifax Bank of Scotland based in Halifax and protect 6,000 plus jobs in the town and improve future growth.

“Having good rail links in every town will benefit the whole area.”