By KLTV Newsdesk –

Major government investment aims to boost accessibility, reliability and connectivity across West Yorkshire

Kirklees Council has been awarded £48 million by the government to improve local stations and make train travel more convenient and comfortable for passengers along the popular Penistone Line route.

The funding follows an initial Levelling Up bid made in 2022, developed in partnership with neighbouring councils in Barnsley and Sheffield, local MPs, and both the West and South Yorkshire Combined Authorities.

The proposals aim to overhaul the line between Huddersfield, Barnsley and Sheffield.

Transforming Local Stations

The project will deliver significant improvements to rail services and stations along the historic route, including Lockwood, Berry Brow, Honley, Brockholes, Shepley, Stocksmoor and Denby Dale.

Key priorities include enhancing accessibility and waiting facilities, upgrading rail infrastructure, and working towards a larger scheme to improve journey times and increase the service from hourly to half-hourly.

Councillor Moses Crook, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport and Housing, said: “We are thrilled that Kirklees Council has been awarded this vital funding to improve our rail network – and now the green light to begin making progress towards delivery.

“This is more than just an investment in our railways – it’s an investment in our communities and will make a real difference to residents living along the Penistone Line route and across Kirklees.

“The improvements will bring more reliable trains with better journey times between Huddersfield and Sheffield and will help to boost our local economy, support growth in Kirklees and improve connectivity across the north.

“The Penistone Line is a crucial transport link, and it’s all part of our plans to make the Kirklees economy stronger, more regionally integrated and greener for future generations.

“These upgrades will open greater opportunities in education, employment, skills and health and wellbeing for residents across Kirklees.”

A Regional Effort

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure this funding to upgrade the Penistone Line and deliver better journeys for passengers.

“Communities are being held back by slow trains, limited services and poor infrastructure, which is why this was part of our Plan for Rail developed with Lord Blunkett and my fellow Yorkshire Mayors.

“We will now continue to push for further investment to improve the rail network, across Yorkshire and the north of England, to boost growth and create a better-connected region that works for all.”

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, added: “Through the Yorkshire Plan for Rail, we have shown that connecting communities across Yorkshire and the North creates huge benefits; connecting people to opportunity, creating huge amounts of growth, giving everyone the opportunity to stay near and go far.

“So I’m really pleased the Government have now confirmed this package of financial support for the Penistone Line upgrade is still available.

“We’re committed to working with the Government and our partners across South and West Yorkshire to deliver this upgrade to the Line, but to also tackle the broader transport challenges which have held us back for far too long.”

Part of a Bigger Transport Vision

This investment forms part of Kirklees Council’s wider vision to create better-connected, healthy, and vibrant towns and villages.

It comes alongside Network Rail’s multi-billion-pound Trans Pennine Route Upgrade, which is already underway.

Together, these projects mark a significant step towards transforming Kirklees’ transport network, improving accessibility for communities, and creating lasting economic and social benefits for the region.