RAILWAY enthusiasts and villagers are concerned that an award-winning station has undergone an expensive renovation only to be left empty to rot.

Railtrack financed the work at Horton-in-Ribblesdale Station three years ago, but since then it has been left undecorated, with no electricity, and damp has now started to affect the property.

Only last December Horton station was given the National Community Spirit Prize when it was praised for its spotless waiting rooms and outstanding cleanliness.

The judges said it possessed a "certain characteristic" which made it a part of the community.

Volunteer David Moss, of Bingley, has travelled to Horton for the last 13 years to tend to the station, and it was his dedication that played a strong part in it winning the award. He has now written to Horton Parish Council and train operator Northern Spirit to voice his concern.

"It is a shame to see it going to rack and ruin again," he said.

Mr Moss said a "To Lease" board had been up on the station for some time, but there were no further details relating to exactly which parts of the building were available to rent.

Horton Parish Council has reinforced his concerns. Parish clerk Helen Sergeant said the council was worried about the future of the station and wanted to see it put to use. And she voiced the parish's appreciation for all Mr Moss' work.

Coun Wilf Fenten, of Horton, has suggested various uses for the station, but nothing has come of them yet. He is particularly hopes some kind of community IT facility could open there. He is also pressing for the Settle-Carlisle Railway Trust to take it over.

His idea is for the various groups and bodies concerned with the line to concentrate on a stretch of the railway, for instance between Horton and Dent, and to make that a shining example of what various partnerships can achieve.

"It must not be left to rot," Coun Fenten told the Herald.

Horton Parish Council will now write to the Settle-Carlisle Railway Trust to suggest it takes over the lease of the station buildings.

The Herald understands train operator Northern Spirit is responsible for the premises, but despite a number of attempts the company was unable to comment on the situation.

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