Tory MP Simon Reevell has asked for Government cash for a feasibility study to improve Mirfield Railway Station.
The station, which has a direct link to London, has poor disabled access – and Mr Reevell has now drawn attention to free taxi rides from the train companies for disabled passengers.
A new group, the Friends of Mirfield Railway Station, has been set up and Dewsbury and Mirfield MP Mr Reevell has pledged to get involved.
The station has two platforms, one with a ramp and the other which can only be accessed via steep steps.
The Huddersfield-bound platform is accessible in a wheelchair but the Leeds and Wakefield-bound side is an ‘island’ platform between the tracks.
The station also has a small car park which is quickly filled and cars lined Station Road and Back Station Road, causing conflict with local residents.
Mr Reevell has written to the group saying the station has two problems – disabled access and car parking.
He said access problems created a “number of hurdles which mean there is no easy fix” and added: “Because it is unlikely that money will be found imminently to begin work, I have asked the Government to consider releasing funds for a feasibility study to take place at the station.
“This study would consider available options and make recommendations on cost and viability.”
Mr Reevell said the request was currently on the desk of Greg Clark, minister responsible for local and regional growth.
The car parking issue – which has led to blockages and frayed tempers as commuters clog Back Station Road outside homes in Southbrook Gardens – has to be addressed by Kirklees Council and the train companies, said Mr Reevell.
However, Mr Reevell – a barrister – has uncovered a little-known duty on train operators to ensure that all passengers have access to their services.
They must either provide staff assistance for those who require it or provide a free taxi ride to the next nearest station.
Mr Reevell said he had received “positive responses” from both Northern Rail and Grand Central “confirming that they take this duty seriously and that they are ready and willing to work with partners to improve the station for the future.”
Mr Reevell said any disabled passenger wanting to book a free taxi ride to or from Mirfield Station should contact Northern Rail’s Customer Relations Team on 0333 2220125 or Grand Central’s Assisted Travel Helpline on 0344 811 0072.
