Rail station to gain accessibility improvements

Campaigners have called for access improvements at Pontefract Monkhill railways station for many years

Plans have been approved for a new bridge, lifts and platform widening to solve accessibility problems at a West Yorkshire railway station.

The work at Pontefract Monkhill will ensure that platform 2 at the station will have step-free access for the first time.

Rail bosses have fielded criticism for years over access issues for wheelchair users and people with prams.

The new bridge stretching over the rail line will be served by two lifts.

Wakefield Council approved the application by Network Rail, with a condition that final details of the materials and colour finishes will be confirmed before work begins, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The station provides rail services to Leeds and Knottingley and offers some longer distance services to London Kings Cross and Bradford Interchange.

Platform 2 will be widened onto land currently occupied by disused railway tracks.

The scheme also includes upgrades to ticket machines, CCTV cameras, signs and two new platform shelters.

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