WORK on the possible re-opening of Cross Hills Railway Station is to take place - 50 years after it was closed.

Last week, the Craven Herald revealed early talks were under way with a developer to build 220 homes and a new £7.5 million bridge at Ashfield Farm.

Now, a feasibility study looking at potential new railway stations in North and West Yorkshire, has put the reopening of the station at Cross Hills as "potentially promising" and recommended further investigation.

The West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (Metro) lists the site as one of five recommended for further feasibility work.

It considered two sites in Cross Hills, but concluded the original site, rather than an alternative site off Hardings Lane, should be pursued.

The report puts the cost at between £6.5 million to £9 million and points out that there is a potential issue with the Kildwick Level Crossing.

"This site has been recommended for further study, as it would appear that if the issues surrounding the level crossing can be resolved, the station would appear to have a promising case," says the report.

David Smurthwaite, Craven District Council's strategic manager, said: "It is clearly a positive development that the study has started to prove the feasibility of reopening Cross Hills Station although this is only the first step as further research is required to understand the details and how it can be funded.

"Craven District Council will be working with North Yorkshire County Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority over the coming months to push the project forward".

North Yorkshire county and district councillor Philip Barrett said it would be welcomed, but he added there was a long way to go.

"The reopening of the station would be widely welcomed in South Craven and bring huge benefits to the area but I not wish to unduly raise expectations at this time," he said.

"Unsurprisingly, the study findings have highlighted the level crossing as an issue for further consideration. "

He said discussions had been taking place between the county and district council about the recommendation for further study at Cross Hills.

"These latest recommendations are part of an updated study by the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive - Cross Hills and several other potential North Yorkshire locations were included in the study with the agreement of the county council."

The WYPTE report also calls attention to the current Metro ticketing boundary which it says should be investigated further before more detailed business case work.