Toby Lipatti-Mesme

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Email the studio

Harry Styles

American Girls

Listen Live

Harrogate MP pushes for revival of £150 million railway upgrade

Wednesday, 1 April 2026 09:37

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Tom Gordon MP met with the Minister for Rail last week to discuss the future of the York Area Capacity Scheme (YACS).

Tom has long campaigned to dual the line and improve services for passengers between Harrogate and York.

The MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough urged the Minister, Lord Hendy, to reinstate the part of the scheme that has been indefinitely paused by the Labour Government.

The Minister concurred that it is a "sound investment" and agreed to look into a timetable.

Skelton Junction is one of the most congested in the network, with passengers regularly held on the north approach to York Station.

The bottleneck creates knock-on delays and poses a major capacity constraint.

Reinstatement of the YACS scheme would see an additional electrified track between the station and junction.

Writing to the Minister later in the week, Tom urged him to confirm the reinstatement of the scheme and provide a clear timeline for doing so.

Tom said:

“A firm commitment would provide much-needed reassurance to passengers and strengthen the case for further improvements.

“If we fix the York junction, it unlocks potential to dual the whole line or introduce near around new developments in Flaxby or Knaresborough.

“We need to speed up improvements - make it reliable for those who already commute and a viable option for people who want to travel sustainably.”

The scheme is estimated to cost around £150 million, a small fraction of the £7 billion being invested in the TransPennine Route upgrade.

York sits between the TransPennine Route and the recent investment into the East Coast Main Line.

The station has also upgraded to digital signalling. The relatively modest investment into YACS would ensure these other major schemes “could reach their full potential,” said Tom.

More from Local News

Five arrested as armed police called to house in Bilton

Police have arrested five people following a report of a disturbance in Harrogate.
Eight players set to leave Harrogate Town as club unveils retained list

Harrogate Town has confirmed its retained and released list following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
Schools trust secures £50,000 grant to establish active travel network

Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust has secured more than £50,000 to launch a new active travel network across nine North Yorkshire schools.
Fourth Harrogate resident wins free tank of fuel

A fourth woman has won a full tank of fuel as part of our 'Free Fuel Friday' competition.
Ripon residents key to helping shape future of historic town hall

Local people will play a central role in shaping the future of Ripon’s historic town hall with the city's newly elected mayor suggesting it should be used as a blueprint for future projects across North Yorkshire.
Knaresborough brother and sister duo clinch national judo medals

A top-performing brother and sister clinched gold and silver medals at major national judo championships.
Nidderdale Darts League calls for new teams to 'step up to the oche'

The Nidderdale Darts League is officially opening registration for new teams for the upcoming winter season.
Council's "patch up" approach to filling potholes criticised

A "patch up" approach to filling potholes could be costing North Yorkshire Council money in the long run, councillors claim.
Man in his 70's arrested following indecent exposure incidents in Ripon

Police have arrested a man in his 70's following a series of indecent exposure incidents in the Ripon area.
Ripon pupils named among top 50 young economists in UK

Three Ripon Grammar students have been placed among the top 50 young economists in the country.
New holiday club for special needs children to launch in Harrogate

A brand new specialist childcare holiday club is set to launch in Harrogate this May half term.
Harrogate charity prepares to host 'hat day' to raise dementia awareness

A Harrogate charity is set to host a special 'Hat Day' next week to raise dementia awareness and support people living with the condition across North Yorkshire.
£50,000 miniature joins Newby Hall's dollhouse collection

An exquisite miniature replica of a French town house has joined one of the world's finest collections of dollhouses and miniatures at Newby Hall & Gardens near Ripon.
Tourist tax would be 'total game changer', says Mayor

Powers to levy charges on overnight stays would be a total game changer, York and North Yorkshire’s mayor has said following a national announcement.
The Harrogate community café brewing something different

A new community café in Harrogate is hoping to become a welcoming hub for local residents of all ages - serving up coffee, conversation and companionship.
New Harrogate steakhouse targets June opening date

A new steakhouse is set to open in Harrogate next month.
Ripon couple complete 10 marathons in 10 days

A charitable husband and wife team from Ripon have completed 10 marathons in 10 days whilst raising almost £7,000 for charity.
Star of The Housemartins to perform at Bilton Club

A founding member of legendary British indie band The Housemartins is heading to Harrogate this summer for a special outdoor show.
Route revealed for return of Masham Tractor Run this weekend

The route has been revealed for the return of the Masham Tractor Run.
Opening date revealed for Harrogate's new gluten-free café

A new café promising a fully gluten-free menu is set to open in Harrogate next week.