ANGER has been voiced that Keighley is STILL waiting for desperately-needed work on its crumbling railway station.

Funding of £9 million is 'ringfenced' for a refurbishment, which was first mooted years ago.

But there is no sign of the project – which would include renovations to the canopies at the front of the historic Bradford Road building, plus extensive roof repairs and other structural work to the rest of the station – getting underway.

Now the issue has been raised with the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper.

And Keighley MP Robbie Moore is calling for a Parliamentary debate to "hold Network Rail accountable" for the delays.

"It is vital we get these refurbishment works underway," says Mr Moore.

"Keighley's railway station is undoubtedly in the worst state of repair of any along the Airedale line.

"The refurbishment plans have been in the pipeline for far too long and these delays are unacceptable.

"I urge Network Rail to get its act together."

The call for action is echoed by town mayor, Councillor Luke Maunsell.

He said: "Keighley Station is an important part of this town's heritage and history.

"It is essential that the refurbishment is carried out as soon as possible to ensure the station's longevity and future."

Local transport campaigner and Northern Rail station adopter, Graham Mitchell, says it was back in 2018 – at a meeting chaired by the town's then MP John Grogan – that proposals were unveiled for a complete regeneration of the station.

"Network Rail promised 'public participation' and 'stakeholder involvement' – neither of which has happened," says Mr Mitchell.

"Keighley Station appears to have fallen into a Network Rail 'black hole' where not only is no work taking place, but it seems impossible to obtain any definitive information as to when serious regeneration work might start.

"The station is a 'gateway' to Bronte Country, used by over one million passengers a year, yet the frontage, over-bridge and platforms one and two look shabby, unloved and rundown. The only smart portion of the station is that operated by Keighley & Worth Valley Railway volunteers!"

Mr Grogan, who is standing again for Labour in Keighley at the next general election, says: "It is very disappointing that five years after a plan was agreed for the station, so few concrete improvements have been made.

"The project is important in its own right but also because first impressions of a town count, particularly when it comes to attracting investment. It is time for heads to be knocked together and a clear timetable implemented."

Matt Rice, route director for Network Rail’s north and east route, said: “We remain committed to carrying out major improvements at Keighley railway station, and we know just how crucial this work is.

“Carrying out upgrades on this scale does take time, but I am pleased to say that we are moving forward with the project, and we’re now working on detailed designs.   

“We expect to begin work onsite this autumn and we look forward to completing this project so that all those who use Keighley railway station can reap the benefits.”