Proposals have been put forward for a major scheme to refurbish and upgrade the district’s busiest rail station.

Train operator Northern Rail is leading the development work on a far-reaching improvement scheme for Bradford Interchange.

Money is being sought from the National Station Improvement Programme, funded primarily by the Department for Transport, for a project that would include: * The refurbishment of platform canopies and glazing * The creation of a glazed platform waiting room with seating * Provision of anti-slip flooring in the booking hall * Installation of CCTV and lighting to the ramp at the side of the station * Extra seating that complies with the Disability Discrimination Act.

The proposals will be discussed at a meeting of the Bradford Passenger Consultative Committee at 2.30pm on Friday at Bradford City Hall.

A report to go before the committee, prepared by officers from transport authority Metro, says: “Subject to funding, it may be possible to deliver the improvements in the next 12 months.”

Northern Rail said it would not divulge the cost until funding had been secured.

James Vasey, chairman of the Bradford Rail Users’ Group, said: “We support anything that would provide improved facilities and are quite happy to get involved with Metro to offer community support and help make the case for the improvements.”

Mr Vasey said the rail network to the south of Bradford, including the line from the Interchange to Halifax, had been ‘neglected’ compared to routes to the north of the city. He said the refurbishment of platform canopies and glazing was a ‘brilliant idea’ as long as it was carried out to a high standard, as was the case with the recent improvements at Berwick-upon-Tweed station.

He added that investment in station facilities should not come at the expense of much-needed investment in trains on the Caldervale line.

Earlier this year, Northern Rail spent £250,000 on a scheme to install London Underground-style ticket barriers at the Interchange station to cut down on fare dodgers.

A Northern Rail spokesman said: “We are confident the gates are improving revenue protection and security, however it’s too early to give any definitive financial impact. What has been most encouraging for us is that the reaction from passengers has been extremely positive as they can see we are actively tackling the issue of fare evasion.”