RAIL services in and out of Huddersfield desperately need help, says a pressure group.

A transport group today described the services for the town as the most neglected in the region.

And Transport 2000 called for a massive development project for the area - along with improvements throughout West Yorkshire.

Its plans include:

* More stopping services each hour running through Huddersfield to Leeds and Manchester

* Big improvements at stations such as Mirfield, Batley and Morley

* A new station, linked to Huddersfield, serving the White Rose Shopping Centre near Leeds.

* New stations at Elland and Horbury.

The group's blueprint for a bigger and brighter rail future has been submitted to transport chiefs.

Transport 2000 rail group chairman Alan Haigh said: "We need to concentrate on our core local services."

The group has welcomed news of a £4.5bn plan by Metro for improved public transport in and out of Leeds, as well as improvements in long-distance rail services.

But Mr Haigh added: "Little has been done to develop the local core rail services in West Yorkshire, bounded by Halifax, Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield and Huddersfield.

"While it is good to have plans for the future, considering past and present evidence there must be grave doubts most of this £4.5bn plan can be delivered.

"We feel that resources should, instead be concentrated in a more realistic and practical five to 10-year plan to improve and make the best possible use of our local services."

Transport 2000 is a group campaigning to improve the transport network in West Yorkshire, curb excessive use of private vehicles and so protect the environment.

It wants services between Manchester and Leeds through Huddersfield to be extended, increasing the number of trains on the line.

It also wants to see greater use of Brighouse station and plans for the proposed Elland station to be pushed through.

As regards the Huddersfield line, Mr Haigh said: "This is the route with the most potential for development, yet it is the most neglected service, with only an hourly service for most of the day.

"Metro have had aspirations since 1987 for a half-hourly stopping service and it has been their top priority for years, but nothing happens.

"The line also has the worst stations, with those at Mirfield, Batley and Morley not having disabled access.

"Our proposals are based on Metro's own studies and policies and would give a massive boost to public transport in West Yorkshire."