The proposed station at Woodside Quarry has moved a step nearer after developers the Burford Group, promised to contribute funds for a feasibility study and £1.25m towards its construction.

The new stop on the Leeds-Harrogate line would be part of the £90m regeneration scheme at Woodside Quarry which aims to create a sustainable village with houses, offices, a medical centre, a pub/restaurant, a gym, a hotel and shop.

An outline planning application was approved by Leeds City Council planners last week.

The developers have safeguarded land for the railway link and a 300 space multi-storey car park and hope to introduce tram-trains and bus services to link the site with the Moor Grange Estate, Holt Park and
West Park.

Suzanne Marchant, who lives in Low Lane, said: "I think the new station will be a good idea as I have to drive to the train station in the morning as it is a long way to walk.

"The new station will be closer to home and it might encourage more people to use the train instead of driving to Leeds."

Simon Burns, who commutes to the town from Leeds,was concerned about the increasing passenger numbers on the Leeds-Harrogate line.

He said: "The trains are already very busy in the morning with people going to and from Leeds and it will just add to this.

"I think it might work if there was to be more trains added to the journey or increased carriages at busy
times, otherwise it is just not practical."

Councillor Andrew Barker (Lib Dem, Horsforth) also welcomed the news about the proposals.

He said: "If we do get it then itwill be absolutely brilliant. There are a lot of people who catch the train and
the development will help to keep cars off the road."

Metro chairman Coun Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said: "This is an important step forward and
demonstrates the benefits of Metro taking a pro-active approach to the public transport needs of new developments.

"As well as being a way of reducing traffic congestion in the area, a new station would complement Metro's plans to introduce continental-style tram trains on the Harrogate line.

"Tram-trains would be able to provide local peoplewith the frequent and quick links to and from the centre of Leeds they will need."