Train users have renewed their calls for urgent improvements to Honley railway station.
There have been problems at the station in recent times, including a child being so close to the line he had his rucksack hit by a passing train last year.
There is little room on the narrow platform, especially when large numbers of passengers are waiting.
A meeting of the Huddersfield Penistone and Sheffield Rail Users Association heard that a number of pupils from Honley High School catch trains home at the end of each school day and one afternoon a train hit the rucksack on a boy’s back.
The boy wasn’t seriously hurt, but the train driver initially feared the pupil may have been dragged under the train.
With pupils waiting for up to 40 minutes for a train each day it has led to increased fears for their safety.
Some seating and a grit bin have been moved from the platform which has created more space for passengers.
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The rail users association has long been calling for improvements to the station and is hoping the area can be redesigned.
Chairman Peter Marshall said: “The station is probably the poorest station on the Penistone line in terms of accessibility and comfort for passengers.
“The old stairwell and very narrow platform don’t make it a nice station for people to wait, particularly in the colder months.
“We would like to see quite a radical change to the whole area.
“As part of it we would like to see a park and ride facility built in the area. That would also get rid of the problem of parking on the street nearby which can be irritating for residents.
“Honley is a very central location in terms of the Holme Valley and the rewards would be that far more people would use the train.”
No-one from Honley High School was available to comment.
Northern Rail says it is working with local groups, including Holmfirth Rotary Club, to look at new opportunities at the station.
A spokesperson said: “Customer safety is always a priority for us and we will continue to work with the local community to ensure Honley stays a safe environment for all.
“We are currently working together with the local rotary club and our colleagues at Network Rail to investigate any new opportunities for the station.”
