A rail users’ group has backed plans to introduce 16 new security cameras to a station – and called for more cameras at other stations in the district.

Northern Rail has applied to Bradford Council for permission to install the CCTV cameras as part of a £1 million revamp of Ilkley station.

They will add to six already in use at the site, bringing the total to 22, and will be placed in various positions including a planned new ticket office and separate waiting room.

Peter Johnson, secretary of the Wharfedale Rail Users’ Group, welcomed the move to increase security at the site.

But he also suggested more cameras were needed at other stations along the Wharfedale line between Ilkley and Leeds.

“Certainly we would be welcoming those new cameras,” he said.

“There were some concerns raised that under the proposals the booking office is quite small so there won’t be a waiting area in there anymore.

“The waiting room is a bit further along and clearly there were some concerns raised by our members where they’d prefer a situation where that was supervised but it doesn’t look as though it will.

“But if there’s going to be cameras it gives it a degree of security.”

Mr Johnson said two other stations on the route – Ben Rhydding and Burley-in-Wharfedale – would benefit from cameras to combat minor issues.

“We seem to have a lot of petty mindless vandalism in Ben Rhydding and Burley does sometimes have a particular problem,” he said.

“Something additional at Burley is one of the stations that might need something.

“It’s Ben Rhydding and Burley that have a particular issue.”

Earlier this month Northern Rail secured permission from Bradford Council planners for a new ticket hall and refurbishment of the station.

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