Batley station campaign picking up steam

Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Batley and Spen, Jo Cox, is backing a campaign to improve the station, which was started by local councillors and backed by the Batley and Birstall News.

She said: “It is well used so it should be well cared for. If you don’t have a decent entrance to the town people won’t want to come in.

“If people are going to invest in the town then the two have to run parallel.”

Suggestions from the group, which includes Batley councillors Gwen Lowe (Lab) and Amanda Stubley (Lab), included fresh paintwork and designs for the platform walls.

Mrs Cox suggested the group may ask Batley poets to write murals for the station, and talk to schools and art groups for contributions. The group hopes it will help to improve the town.

Mrs Cox said better and more interesting signs could play a part in the regeneration.

“We are not talking a lot of money.

“Passengers deserve a decent infrastructure.”

Kirklees District Consultation Subcommittee chairman John Appleyard, who is backing the campaign, said: “The station could do with a cafe, just somewhere for people to have a drink.”

Though group members expressed disappointment at the condition of the station, Northern Rail, which is in charge of maintenance, said it was on board with plans to improve the service.

How do you think the station could be improved? Comment below or email [email protected].