Action is being demanded to reduce the gap between trains and the platform at Keighley Railway Station.

Keighley resident Brian Nutt claims the gap is too wide and causes unnecessary danger for passengers of all ages.

He says his wife Mary, who uses crutches due to a long-standing foot condition, faces problems getting off trains when returning from hospital appointments in Leeds and Bradford.

And he says that on one occasion, his three-year-old son, Christopher, would have fallen between the gap if his stepsister had not been holding him.

Rail bosses have responded that the gap on Keighley mainline platforms are within a safe width.

But Mr Nutt said on several occasions, he has contacted Network Rail, which owns the station, and Northern Rail, which manages it, to express concern about the platform serving Leeds and Brad- ford.

He added: “It’s wider than other stations – the trains tip towards the other platform, which makes the gap wider.

“They don’t have any staff down on the platform to help people off the train. Old-age pensioners struggle to get off, and people who are disabled.

“My wife always has to be helped by someone. My son fell – if we hadn’t held his hand, he would have gone down onto the track.”

A Northern Rail spokesman said she was sorry to hear Mr Nutt’s wife had been having problems.

But she added: “The stepping distance between the train and the platform is within standard Network Rail regulations.

“As the customer does have mobility issues and uses crutches, we would advise they use the widely advertised Passenger Assist telephone number.

“This can be called in advance to arrange assistance when departing or arriving at a station, which would ensure staff are on hand to help. All our trains carry ramps, and our staff are trained to use them.”

Passenger Assist can be contacted by e-mailing assistance@ northernrail.org.uk or calling 08081 561606.