Gates added to arches previously used by homeless

The council said the changes would lead to a "much-improved public realm" around the station

Work has begun to install decorative gates on railway arches in Bradford which were previously used by rough sleepers.

The arches between Cheapside and Forster Square Station were frequently used by homeless people before they were fenced off by Bradford Council.

Earlier this year the council announced they would be sealed off by 10ft (3m) gates to provide space for art installations as part of City of Culture 2025.

Large metal frames for the gates have now been installed on most of the arches with the work due to be completed by the start of next year, the authority said.

Tents were often found in the 10 arches on the route between Cheapside and the station

The work is being funded by Network Rail, which owns and maintains the arches, and carried out by Bradford Council, which said the changes would lead to a "much-improved public realm" around the station.

Plans to close off the arches caused huge controversy when they were first announced.

The council said it would work to find accommodation for anyone moved on from the site.

But homeless charities raised concerns that shelter used by numerous rough sleepers was being lost.

In response to the criticisms, Bradford Council's executive hit out at claims that railway arches were a suitable place for people to live, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A statement said: "As a society we simply should not tolerate having our fellow citizens living in arches without water and sanitary facilities."

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