Almost 200 commuters have told rail bosses they want a better deal as they travel along the Wharfedale line.

Campaigner John Anderson has been backed by 190 people who say they want improvements.

Mr Anderson, an education management adviser and former head of Beckfoot Grammar School, Bingley, took to the platforms for a week, talking to fellow passengers and asking if they wanted to support an eight-point manifesto. It comes as preparations are being made for the restructure of Otley Road, Baildon, which will cause massive problems as people travel between Leeds, Baildon, Shipley and Bradford.

The road is already hit by massive queues even for minor, temporary works.

But Mr Anderson, of Gillbeck Close, Baildon, says rail chiefs must pull up their socks to improve the trains which will be a lifeline for people during the disruption.

He said: "I am very pleased with the response and almost everyone agreed with the aims." The charter includes a reliable service, on time to meet connections. It also presses for a bus service to the station, to and from Baildon village and Lucy Hall, near Shipley Glen, integrated into train timetables.

The charter calls for a ticket machine and another covered waiting area.

Mr Anderson said following two days of disruption through missed trains last week, he thought there should be a better announcement service at Baildon for passengers left stranded.

The charter and signatures will go to the Wharfe Valley Rail Users Group which will decide on further action.

Northern Spirit says improvements have already been made and some items are in the pipeline.

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