NEW doors installed at Keighley railway station have left some passengers bemused.

The push-button automated system – between the ticket office and the steps to the platforms – is idiotic, according to one user.

Retired social services worker Ken Smith says the doors are designed for use by wheelchair-bound passengers.

But he claims the low position of the buttons is causing problems for many and the doors lead to stairs anyway, which bars access to the platforms for anyone in a wheelchair.

"I was waiting in the ticket office hall for a friend and noticed people were having great difficulty with the doors," said Mr Smith, 69, of Calton Road, Long Lee.

"Passengers were trying to pull them open, so I took a closer look.

"There are notices stating 'press button to open doors', but there were no buttons to press.

"I approached the man in the ticket office and he pointed out the buttons – they are small and low down, away from the door on a rail. No one could see them. I am concerned that someone could hurt themselves trying to tug open the doors."

He said buttons for opening doors of that type in other premises, such as shops and banks, were normally large and more obvious.

Mr Smith added: "A friend pointed out that the buttons are at knee level for wheelchair users.

"If that's the case the idiotic thing about this is that through those doors the only way to the platforms is via stairs, so wheelchair users would not be able to use them anyway!

"An alternative route from the street to the platforms already exists not involving stairs."

Northern Rail, which manages the station, said the new doors were designed to be used by both disabled and able-bodied customers.

A spokesman added: "When you install new facilities they have to be compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.

"The buttons to open the doors are on the end of panels so that the doors don't open into your face. The buttons may appear low, however they are set to disabled policy guidelines.

"There is a sign to inform customers the button needs to be pressed, however we will look to provide additional signage to avoid confusion in the future."