GIGGLESWICK rail users will be able to get out from the wind following the unveiling of a new bespoke waiting shelter.

Canon John Bearpark, president of the Lancaster and Skipton Rail Users Group (LASRUG), was one of those who had long campaigned for a shelter at Giggleswick Station.

Support was also given by the Leeds to Morecambe Community Rail Partnership (LMCRP) and now, a specially sourced cantilever shelter - to fit the narrow timber based platform - has been installed for Lancaster bound passengers.

At the official unveiling, Mr Bearpark was able to give a potted history, with photographs, of the station from when it was opened in 1849, and including the campaign to get a shelter at the notoriously windswept location.

The ceremony was also attended by Councillor Margaret Airey of Giggleswick Parish Council and Richard Isaacs, Community and Sustainability Manager, Northern Rail (Arriva Rail North Ltd.).

Mr Isaacs said getting the shelter had been the result of sustained and positive effort which had resulted in an improvement to the facilities at a rural station to the benefit of the community.

He also reflected on the many improvements due to take place at rural stations on the Bentham line and elsewhere over the next few years.

They included LED lighting, customer information screens, ticket machines and video help points.

Gerald Townson, chairman of the LMCRP, said: “We look forward to the many station improvements in this new Northern franchise. Particularly welcome is the considerable investment at the smaller more rural stations.”