Investment in local transport 'should be prioritised over HS2', Wakefield campaigners say

The £2.8 million upgrade will see new high-quality passenger waiting facilities, a ticket vending machine, a disabled toilet and sheltered cycle parking installed, as well as improved links to the town centre and nearby bus station.

Coun Tony Wallis said: “We’ve always needed work at the railway station, so I was pleased when it was announced.

“It’s been well received by people I talk to, they all agree that the station needs an improvement.

“They’re just glad that something’s being done and that we’re getting a nice station.”

Funding for the scheme has been provided by the West Yorkshire-plus Transport fund, as part of a joint project between West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Northern, Network Rail and Wakefield Council.

Coun Wallis has long campaigned for better services in Castleford, including the reopening of the second platform, which has been closed for more than 40 years.

But following the government’s approval of the controversial HS2 scheme last week, which is projected to cost more than £109 billion, Coun Wallis said he thought that the money could be better spent.

He said: “I’d rather have a better service to Manchester and Liverpool than cut 50 minutes off travel to London.

“To me there’s no doubt it’s the local services that need the priority for funding.

“It’s nice to be able to go to London or Birmingham quicker, but I’d rather the money invested on the local route into Leeds, particularly at peak times.”

Jonathan Pile, who heads local group Crofton Against HS2, said: “There are so many places in our district that don’t have stations, like Hemsworth and Ossett.

“What people really want is better connectivity for local towns and if HS2 is going to be built then they want proper mitigation.

“There needs to be an open dialogue in our communities.

“They want something that actually fits with the current connectivity.

“I think a dialogue that maps out all the different route options would open up the discussion. At the end of the day something has to be built somewhere. But is has to be properly mitigated.”

Alongside building works and car park improvements, the transformation at Castleford Railway Station will include upgrades to the surrounding areas.

As part of the development, work will be carried out on the subway underpass, including a resurfaced footway, new wall cladding, lighting and CCTV.

Improved landscaping and signage will also be installed on key walking routes between the station, town centre and bus station.

It follows a £6 million revamp of Castleford Bus Station, which opened in 2016.

Northern Rail said the work, which is expected to last until the autumn, would provide a “more attractive and welcoming gateway to Castleford town centre”.

As part of the work, the old station building, which is located to the far left of the platform, will be demolished to allow adjustments to the car park.

A total of 56 spaces will be available once work is complete, including three blue badge spaces.

Coun Matthew Morley, Wakefield Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, said: “This is an exciting scheme for Castleford, which will improve facilities at the railway station.

“Good transport links play a vital role in underpinning business growth and job creation and these improvements will help to make Castleford a more attractive place to live, work and invest in.”