The Rail Group is led by rail enthusiasts who focus on a better rail deal for those in and around Pontefract, including improved services and infrastructure at our three stations (Monkhill, Baghill and Tanshelf).
We lobby Wakefield MDC, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Transport for the North and train operating companies on behalf of Pontefract and the Five Towns area.
We are pleased to have helped secure the new footbridge and lifts project at Monkhill station, though we await its delayed installation.
We also support the reopening of Askern station and services to Doncaster.
Pontefract Civic Society is a member of Railfuture (Yorkshire Branch), the Community Rail Network and Northern Rail Station Adopters.
Rail Group and Grand Central Railways
Rail group member Peter Cookson invited the managing director of Grand Central Railways to visit Pontefract to show opportunities in Pontefract and the Five Towns by visiting the stations, the racecourse and the town centre, also confirming the significance of house building targets. If Peter hadn’t taken the initiative, all services would have bypassed Pontefract by going direct from Wakefield to Doncaster (along the mainline route).
Once the route via Pontefract had been launched, we also hosted a meeting with members with the Grand Central Railways Chief Operating Officer and his assistant to lobby for more return services and weekend services; even though the people at the top of Grand Central Railways have changed, that lobbying goes on.
If you have a passion for rail and rail services become a member and join us. If you have any questions of comments regarding our local rail services and stations please contact us.