Skipton MP Julian Smith praises £3.6million rail spending

Skipton MP Julian Smith Skipton MP Julian Smith

Skipton MP Julian Smith has seen the results of a £3.6 million Government investment in improving the rail network in and around Skipton.

The money was spent on a major redevelopment of the sidings near the railway station which means three extra trains can now be housed in the town.

Skipton is one of Northern Rail’s major hubs with 14 trains based in the town and used both on the busy commuter route to Leeds and the scenic Settle to Carlisle railway line.

Mr Smith said: “Many people in Skipton and across Craven rely on the rail network to get them to work every day so I am pleased this investment means more trains and carriages are able to be housed in Skipton and used on the busy Aire Valley line to Keighley and Leeds.

“The railway is also vital for tourism here with many sightseers, walkers and shoppers using the line north of Skipton to Settle and Carlisle to see some of the most stunning scenery in the country.”

Comments(5)

skipsea says...
9:30am Mon 12 Nov 12

Now come on Mr Smith you well know, or should, that the goverment has not given a penny to the rail investment.
They have simply given Network Rail permission to borrow the money.

bettyswollocks says...
5:06pm Mon 12 Nov 12

Wow, new sidings! They have really helped us regular commuters - not.

It would have been better spent adding crossovers at regular spots up the line to allow the increasingly frequent broken down trains to be passed. There is more disruption due to poor and poorly maintained trains at the moment that in at least the last 10 years.

White Rhino says...
10:48pm Tue 13 Nov 12

Betty

A poorly informed populist rant, I commute every day to Leeds have for years it is a good line, yes it could be better but I always get a seat from Skipton and we have had new services recently just wish it was a little cheaper.

AlliG says...
7:36pm Fri 16 Nov 12

I don't use the trains that oftern, but im one of the residents who have had to live next to the 'New Sidings'.....
months and months of sleepless nights with the noise and now with the bright lights on 24/7,
The trains are moved around all night long, its a bloody nightmare.
Ive lived here for over 30yrs and loved it, the trains passing in the night didnt use to bother anyone but now this has made me really think about moving.
With me complaining to both Northern and Network rail they have been and planted some trees to block the view but its not made any difference as yet .....

White Rhino says...
11:02pm Fri 16 Nov 12

Trains stop after midnight and don't start till late 5, plus electric motors can't see how they can be that noisy they seem very quiet rather than the old diesels.

Get a blackout blind if the lights bother you, simple.

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