New bus station makes history (From Warrington Guardian)

New bus station makes history

A HISTORIC journey marked the closure of the dilapidated Warrington Bus Station.

A restored heritage vehicle made the final journey from the station on Wednesday night, before it is demolished and a new station is built.

The 40-year-old bus was the last to leave the station since it opened in 1979.

Some 50 special guests with commemorative tickets were taken on a final tour by driver David Leigh.

Among the crowd were father and son Walter and David Foxhall.

Walter, aged 77, drove one of the first ever departures from the station and David is now a driver with Warrington Borough Transport.

"The event was great fun," said the company's managing director, Nigel Featham.

"The bus station was in desperate need of replacement but everyone entered into the spirit of what was a light hearted occasion."

A temporary 140-bay station, constructed by Bovis Lend Lease, has opened at the junction of Golborne Street and Winwick Street with five further stops in Scotland Road. The move will not change bus routes and all services will be running as usual.

The new bus station, called Warrington Interchange, will open at the same junction in May 2006.

Warrington Borough Transport says it will be a bright, modern passenger environment with a travel centre, electronic information screens and retail units.

Clr Jeff Richards, executive board member for transport, said: "This exciting development is part of the multi-million pound project to redevelop our town centre.

"The old bus station was 30 years old and in real need of modernisation. Warrington Interchange will dramatically improve bus travel in the borough."

Clr Terry O'Neill, executive member for sustainable regeneration, added: "The new bus interchange is an essential piece in a large jigsaw of regeneration schemes taking place throughout the borough.

"The role transport will play in these developments is very significant.

"Not only do transport links play a vital role in the sustainability of local towns and town centres, they also provide people with better access to jobs and education, as well as retail and leisure opportunities."

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