Business leaders and local MP welcome Harrogate Station cash boost

The news was announced by Richard Allan, Area Director North and East for Northern Rail at a meeting of Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce as he canvassed local business leaders on spending priorities and ideas on where the money should be spent.

Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, speaking after the meeting said: “The news that we are getting this significant cash boost is very welcome and represents a further investment in our rail services as we prepare for possible electrification of the entire line.

“We all know that Harrogate station could do with some investment. For a start, there is very little shelter on the southbound platform for commuters to Leeds and the facilities for cyclists could be improved among other things. The station simply doesn’t present the kind of Harrogate welcome we want to give.”

York Council recently added its voice to calls for the electrification of the line connecting York to Harrogate and Leeds in a bid to speed up journey times, ease congestion and provide better links to help bolster businesses.

In a joint letter, the leaders of the council’s political groups urged Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin to prioritise investment in the line. In their letter, the party leaders describe the electrification of the line as a “strong economic opportunity”.

It says that a fast frequent service using modern trains would build on a 20 per cent rise in passenger numbers over the last five years and generate economic benefits worth £400m to the area.

The proposals would also have significant environmental benefits.

“We are united across parties and across the region that the electrification of the line is an essential priority,” it said.

Electrified rail lines typically allow faster, smoother and more frequent journeys than traditional diesel locomotives. Electric trains are less likely to breakdown and significantly cheaper to run.

A spokeswoman for Northern Rail confirmed that funding of almost £1m had been secured and said it was planned that improvements would be completed by the start of 2016.

She said Mr Allan had spoken at the chamber’s meeting on Monday night to canvass opinion on spending priorities. Details of the scheme are still being worked on.

Brian Dunsby, chief executive of Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce, welcomed the announcement.

“We trust that it will be in long-term structural elements and not simply some decorative treatment. For example a full length shelter is needed on Platform 3 that normally serves Leeds-bound passengers. Also a pair of escalators in place of the steps between platform level and the footbridge on both platforms would be very welcome,” he said after the meeting.

He also said a multi-storey car park was needed.

Mr Jones is calling for the whole community to be involved with what the renovation package should involve.

“Investment like this is rare and every penny needs to be spent wisely,” he said.