The Manchester to Leeds route via the Calder Valley has seen the closure of most of its principal stations. Elland was opened in 1840 and closed in 1962. This act removed access to not only Manchester and Leeds, but also to Huddersfield, Halifax and Bradford and the inevitable result has been more road congestion. In 2017 £20 million was allocated to rebuild the station and provide parking for 117 cars. As of 2022 nothing has been done other than 'planning permission', now there's a surprise!

In the station's final days, a bewhiskered class 110 DMU is heading west for Sowerby Bridge but the lack of passengers is noticeable - as is the cleanliness of the platform!

© Steve Armitage Archive