Skipton MP Julian Smith has seen the results of a £3.6 million Government investment in improving the rail network in and around Skipton.

The money was spent on a major redevelopment of the sidings near the railway station which means three extra trains can now be housed in the town.

Skipton is one of Northern Rail’s major hubs with 14 trains based in the town and used both on the busy commuter route to Leeds and the scenic Settle to Carlisle railway line.

Mr Smith said: “Many people in Skipton and across Craven rely on the rail network to get them to work every day so I am pleased this investment means more trains and carriages are able to be housed in Skipton and used on the busy Aire Valley line to Keighley and Leeds.

“The railway is also vital for tourism here with many sightseers, walkers and shoppers using the line north of Skipton to Settle and Carlisle to see some of the most stunning scenery in the country.”