'My profits are down 40% since station closed'

No trains ran through Huddersfield during the 30-day closure

The owner of a family-run restaurant in Huddersfield has said profits are down 40% since the nearby railway station closed for a major upgrade a month ago.

Huddersfield Station is set to reopen on Monday after being shut for 30 days so three platforms could be rebuilt and extended as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).

But local businesses have been adversely affected by the project as commuters coming and going from cities like Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and York have been far fewer.

Ersim Altitarmak, owner of Meson La Pepa restaurant, told the BBC: "The closure has had a chain effect on everyone - from reducing my staff to the amount I buy in the shops."

Meson La Pepa in Huddersfield has had to reduce its staff hours

There have been no services since 30 August and customers have had to use rail replacement buses or diversionary routes.

Mr Altitarmak, 42, said: "A lot of our regulars are from places like Marsden and Mirfield and call up to order lunch or dinner - but they have to keep cancelling due to the trains.

"It's disappointing for a business - we are down about 40% in the last month. It's as quiet as it is in January straight after Christmas."

Ahead of the reopening, Network Rail said the station now has three rebuilt and extended platforms.

However, stage two of the upgrade is still ongoing and stations including Cottingley, Morley, Batley, Ravensthorpe, Brighouse, Halifax, Low Moor and Bradford Interchange still do not have direct trains to Huddersfield.

Some services will continue as rail replacement buses and customers may need to change trains as part of their journey, Network Rail also said.

Mr Altitarmak has been forced to cut down his staff hours, which they "are not happy about", he said.

"I have to reduce my staff - because I obviously cannot turn off my electricity, my bills are the same.

"The price of everything has gone up."

An artist impression of the upgraded Huddersfield Station

He added: "I am just hopeful things go back to how they were when the station opens again on Monday."

Only platforms 1, 2 and 3 will be in use and passengers are advised to check the latest information before travelling and allow extra time.

Phase two of the project will also include improving the remaining platform, station canopy and tracks.

Network Rail said that once completed in 2027, the station will be able to accommodate longer trains with more seating, meaning "more comfortable and reliable journeys".

Harpreet Uppal, Labour MP for Huddersfield, previously said: "I know this will cause some disruption but the work at the train station is part of the biggest rail infrastructure project in the country.

"Once the Transpennine route upgrade is complete, it will mean faster, more reliable services, better connections, and a station that's fit for the future."

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