WORK on a long-awaited new railway station car park is due for completion this autumn.

Construction eventually started last year on the much-delayed scheme at Steeton and Silsden Station.

Originally the project was scheduled to be complete in October, 2020, but it has been plagued by setbacks.

A new target date of January, 2022, was set, before the timetable was rearranged again.

And meantime the cost of the scheme, being funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, spiralled from £3,879,000 to over £4.5m.

Now the combined authority says work remains ongoing and is on target for a November finish.

Steelwork construction is complete, as is most of the flooring.

The contractor is currently working on brickwork and cladding, together with the installation of a lift, CCTV and lighting.

Once open, the car park will create an additional 104 free spaces, taking the total to over 240. There will be a number of bays for blue-badge holders.

Last year, West Yorkshire's mayor, Tracy Brabin, said she understood the "frustrations" of commuters following the string of delays but welcomed the fact the scheme was now underway.

The combined authority hopes that the new facilities, once up and running, will encourage more people to travel by rail.

Ms Brabin added: "In the climate and environment plan for West Yorkshire, I committed to deliver a net zero carbon economy by 2038 at the latest. The work at Steeton and Silsden Station will help reduce congestion and improve local air quality, which takes us one step closer to our economic ambition.

"It also goes without saying that improved ease of access to public transport enhances people’s employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities and of course their leisure activities. I welcome these improvements."

Northern Trains Ltd will operate and maintain the new provision.