Long-awaited Todmorden rail station lifts work set to start in November

Work on long-awaited – and much-delayed – lifts for Todmorden Rail Station is set to start in November.

It is hoped that if the project then remains on schedule, passengers could be using them around autumn 2027.

Currently and for years, disabled passengers have been unable to easily use the Bradford and Leeds direction platform because it is only accessible by steps.

Funding has long been in place for improvements – Department of Transport Access For All funding was secured for lifts to serve both platforms in 2019, after years of campaigning.

But frustrations involving contractors have seen the scheme delayed until, most recently, it has been taken on directly by Network Rail.

They said they fully understand the frustration at the situation but are taking the project forward with Story Contracting, and confirm the funding is still available.

“At present, work is expected to begin in November 2026,” they said.

An experienced team has been assembled to manage the scheme, said Network Rail.

“We are working to deliver it as quickly as possible, with the ambition of having it completed and available for passengers in autumn 2027,” they wrote.

Calder Valley MP, Labour’s Josh Fenton-Glynn, who has lobbied and worked towards getting the lifts for 12 years, recently met with Network Rail officers to press the case again.

He said on social media that after the meeting: “I was reassured to hear Network Rail’s commitment to getting the work going again and delivering the promised improvements as soon as possible.

“I know this is something that the community and councillors over the last few years have campaigned hard for, and it’s an issue I’ve raised with Transport Ministers in Parliament.”

In the spring, Mr Fenton-Glynn and local campaigners including councillors met at the station to express frustration at the delays.

Residents Paul Thompson and Meg Kennedy both explained that while they can to travel to Manchester, coming back they have to stay on the train until the next stop down the line from Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, which is accessible.

They both said that then requires a taxi journey home to Todmorden.

Paul said on one journey returning from Manchester, when he had to get off at Todmorden, he had no choice but to come down the steps from the platform on his bottom, one winter’s day.