SIR – Reading the letters page recently, regarding the Spen Valley line, my back garden falls onto the former track, 150 yards walk to where the former station once stood.
I am 80 years old, but can clearly remember using the trains to get to Bradford. It was easy. Now I have to walk even further to the bus station.
Beeching closed the line because it was losing money. People started using cars instead, but not everyone had a car and relied on the bus or trains to get anywhere.
If the line was reopened, would it be profitable? And would people use it? Many in Cleckheaton say they would. Friends and relatives in Heckmondwike say the same.
A single track with passing points along the line would be ideal. Many would be able to leave their cars at home, easing traffic problems along the valley and Chain Bar roundabout.
A correspondent to your paper who lives in Low Moor is totally right in saying this line should be reopened.
My sons live in Liversedge and have to use their cars to get to work. One works in Leeds city centre next to the station. He has tried to find a parking spot in Dewsbury to use the train, but it’s no good.
L Bradshaw, Toffs Road, Cleckheaton
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