Councillors call for ‘proper, accessible’ routes to new White Rose station

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has now confirmed that Cottingley station will close once the new White Rose station is completed and opened. The closure was approved by the the Office of Rail and Road in a letter dated 27 February 2023.

Local Ward Councillors Andrew Scopes, Gohar Almass and Annie Maloney (Labour, Beeston & Holbeck) have expressed their disappointment at the closure of Cottingley station, describing it as a loss for the local community.

In light of the closure, the Councillors are demanding that proper, accessible walking routes are created, as well as better bus transport links to the surrounding area, that will allow residents affected by the Cottingley station closure to access the benefits of the new White Rose station.

Cllr Andrew Scopes said:

“It is a real shame for the people of Cottingley to lose their station. Public transport is crucial for so many of our residents and none of us are happy to see it being removed.

“I’m glad to see the new White Rose station will be much more accessible friendly and easier for to use. The station’s improved frequency will also mean people should spend less time waiting for a train. However, a new, improved station and service is no good to our residents if they can’t reach it. That’s why I, Gohar and Annie are all demanding that high quality, accessible routes between Cottingley and the new station are built so they aren’t left bereft of the public transport that many rely on. We would also welcome improved bus links as well to help people that may struggle for access throughout the City.

“We hope that as the White Rose office park develops it will offer employment opportunities for the residents of Cottingley, yet another good reason to get these links in now!”

The £24 million White Rose station, currently under construction, is located 800m along the track, near the White Rose Office Park and White Rose Shopping Centre.

 

This post is based on a press release issued by Beeston & Holbeck Ward Councillors

 

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One Reply to “Councillors call for ‘proper, accessible’ routes to new White Rose station”

  1. To quote Edmund Blackadder ‘As predictable as a predictable thing can be predicted’ – yet another dump of the long suffering residents of the Cottingley estate. As for ‘The station’s improved frequency’, as far as I’m aware the projected level of service was due to remain exactly as it currently is i.e. one train per hour in each direction with an odd addition at peak times which seems a pretty poor return for an investment of 24 million quid and yes.

    As for ‘accessible walking routes’ – I wouldn’t hold your breath!

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