THE buffet car cafe at Oxenhope Railway Station will no longer be opening to the public on days when trains do not run on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

The news was confirmed at a meeting of Oxenhope Parish Council.

Members of the council acknowledged a message about the cafe, sent to them from the attraction's commercial manager. This explained directors of the railway had taken the "hard decision" to only open the cafe in future when trains are operating on the heritage line.

Cllr Derrick Hopkinson responded that he was "sad" to hear of the change.

The K&WVR had previously submitted ambitious plans for a purpose-built, 100-seat cafe at Oxenhope Station, though escalating costs meant this scheme had to be abandoned in 2017.

Commenting after the latest Oxenhope Parish Council meeting, a spokesman for the railway said: "While we understand the closing of our buffet car on non-running days could be seen in a negative manner, it is important to know that the railway is currently undergoing exciting new changes to improve the future, for both our visitors and members across the whole line.

"During this period of change we need to focus our efforts, and with limited resources it's important we complete projects in priority order.

"We hope that people can join in our positive outlook for the railway, and experience the joys of what we are working towards in the near future.

"The buffet car and her fantastic team will still be welcoming guests on running days, and as always we look forward to welcoming people to our Oxenhope Station."