Thank you for your interest in this story
To continue reading this article, sign up today to unlock exclusive content and be part of our community discussions
- Exclusive discounts
- Enjoy commenting on local issues
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
10
Sept 2021
Elderly and disabled Harrogate district commuters face difficulties at Leeds
Trade union Unite says a £39.5 million redevelopment of Leeds train station could cause 'intolerable obstacles' for people with mobility problems because the taxi rank would be much farther away.
Elderly and disabled commuters from the Harrogate district face 'intolerable obstacles' under proposed changes to Leeds train station.
Taxi ranks are due to be relocated much further from the station as part of a £39.5m revamp of the station's main entrance and the adjoining area.
Trade union Unite said today commuters would have to travel 165 metres from the station entrance and use a lift as opposed to travel 45 metres now.
Unite regional officer Darren Rushworth, said:
"This proposal will put intolerable obstacles in the way of disabled people and the elderly who will have nearly four times the length to go to seek a taxi.
“Unite and a wide range of disability organisations want the status quo to continue and for people actually running this development to listen rather than dismissing our legitimate arguments, most of which have been outlined to the local council many times.”
Read more:
- ‘It’s working well’: Campaigner counts cyclists using Harrogate’s Beech Grove
- Rossett school bus ‘chaos’ and ‘shambles’ due to overcrowding
Many commuters use the line to Leeds from the Harrogate district.
Disability campaigners are staging a protest at Leeds Civic Hall at 11.30 on September 14 to lobby councillors to keep the rank where it is. This will be followed by a march from the Civic Hall to Millennium Square.
Leeds City Council, Network Rail and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which are behind the planned changes, have said the redevelopment will make passenger movements easier.
0