Halifax – “still much still to deal with”

On Halifax station, HADRAG understands a meeting between the rail bodies was expected to happen soon after Easter to look at the issue of the station toilet. We shall ask for an update. It sounds like there will be some kind of temporary solution whilst drainage is repaired. Hadrag continues to ask whether a more imaginative solution could be devised – a more modern design at the station front releasing space on for new access to the wider south end of the platforms, easing crowding. There is no clear update on the obvious need for more train information screens both on the station itself and in nearby locations in the town. The town centre is outside Northern’s area of responsibility. Where precisely are the boundaries between Northern, Network Rail or the local authority? (Let’s hope at least that internal railway boundaries matter less when Great British Railways is all one firm.) The blocked drains near the road junction are described as falling into the main road drainage system, though the obvious blocked gulley looks to be within bounds of railway property. We shall see what happens with the A629 works. Removal of the long-broken glass doors at platform level to add additional space seems to be under consideration, along with additional signing to clarify the one-way system on the footbridge stairs. A central handrail handrail on the stairway is also under consideration. Full station repaint is scheduled – as currently budgeted – for 2026-7. The access improvements which are, we understand, a West Yorkshire Combined Authority scheme, should start in 2027 across 22 phase 1 stations across the county, including Hebden Bridge as well as Halifax. The list of possible improvements includes Braille station maps, help points, induction loops, better signing for access, Braille on handrails, accessible toilets (!!!), and other improvements. Table below and over page is update on our previous edition of this newsletter. Other great news includes more posters on the way, designed by Calderdale College students. Coming soon, we gather, could be a record-breaking station mural – longest in England! Installation expected by beginning of summer. These posters have made a big mark all along our line and we warmly welcome them. Keep up the good work Northern and station partners. The A629 eastern works will benefit rail passengers by creating more direct, pedestrian-friendly and cycle-friendly access between station and town. A new crossing will be more direct, straight across to the bottom of Blackledge and the Piece Hall, the latter massively attractive for access by rail.

Hadrag’s Notes from Meeting

• Access improvements expected in next 2 years (funded) – should benefit both disabled and able-bodied.
• Full repaint also expected.
• Need for effective signs for example showing one-way system on stairway steps to platform.
• Public toilet attached to and accessed via platform waiting room is currently out of service (though recently refurbished). It seems drains need to be renewed/repaired involving work below the rail tracks and significant delay.
• At the meeting we mentioned alternatives such as a new facility upstairs by the booking office rather than upgrading the present facility.
• Power operated sliding doors connecting mini-concourse at bottom of footbridge steps to platform never operated for more than a week or two no exaggeration.
• Need to be removed and surroundings made good and safe – more space – including floor of waiting area.
• We heard about an incident where someone had fallen at the doorway – safety.
• Need to encourage people to wait for trains away from the narrow part of the platform: Problem on both platforms with people clustering round doorways – safety.
• P2 where the curving track restricts view (to people waiting on the narrowest part) of trains coming in. Having to push past crowds can be quite frightening when there are crowds of people who may not be sober or particularly polite.
• Footbridge steps safety: central handrail needed, and clear signing of one-way system on steps.
• Station approach bridge safety: Traffic and tripping hazards. We know of people who have had falls, not least on loose flags e.g. at NW entrance opposite the Sq Chapel and the Piece Hall.
• Parking – limited spaces. Many of filled all day taking up space that would be useful space for pedestrian access.
• We would like to see these parking spaces moved to ground level with new access (lift and/or compliant ramp) created.
• The bridge approach would then be for drop-off, pick-up, taxis, disabled and wheeled users only.
• Station users need action now. Results of the Church Street and Square Rd work are awaited with eager anticipation.

Main road will be the old part of Church Street route down towards Halifax Minster. There will be new bus stops in Alfred Street East. Vehicle access to the station approach will be maintained helping many who are dropped off, as well as park and ride people. Ultimately, Hadrag would like to see vehicle access to the station approach restricted to pick-up/drop-off, disabled, taxis, plus bikes and people on foot. This would leave more room for pedestrians to circulate, but need new access from Eureka! car park level, so a longer-term objective and potentially costly. Hadrag will keep up the campaign and keep you informed. There is much still to deal with!

Header Image: “File:Refurbished canopy and stairs – Halifax station – geograph.org.uk – 1607387.jpg” by Phil Champion is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.