Work began on Monday 12 March on a new entrance to Ilkley rail station from the town's Railway Road.

Metro has drawn up the scheme, which includes new lighting and CCTV coverage, with train operator Northern Rail and Network Rail. It will provide access to the station's platform 2 from the footbridge on Railway Road, and is being jointly funded by Metro and the Department for Transport's 'Access for All Small Schemes'.

Metro Chairman Councillor Stanley King said "We have developed this new entrance in response to requests from people approaching from the north and east of the town, who are currently only able to enter and leave the station from the south side, either through the former station building or the bus station.

"When the new path from the footbridge is complete, these passengers will have an entrance at the east end of the station, providing them with direct access to the platform, saving them a lengthy walk."

Located at the end of the busy Wharfedale line, which provides links to Leeds and Bradford Forster Square, Ilkley station is used by one million people per year.

John Kitching, Station Manager, Northern Rail, said: "We are committed to delivering improvements for rail users and the new entrance at Ilkley station is a perfect example of how we can work in partnership to provide benefits that meet the needs of our passengers."

The total cost of the scheme, including architects, consultants, construction and the installation of CCTV and lighting is £124,000, half of which is being provided through the Department for Transport's 'Access for All Small Schemes'. Its main contractor is Wetherby firm JMD Developments and its architects are York-based Potts Parry Ives and Young. Work is due to be completed by late April.