Bus station revamp will finally get go ahead (From Warrington Guardian)

Bus station revamp will finally get go ahead

LONG-awaited work on Congleton Bus Station's revamp is to start next week.

The scheme. costing £259,000, is aimed at providing a modern, user-friendly facility.

Work should start next Monday, February 6, and take eight weeks to complete.

"The people of Congleton will be delighted at this news," said county councillor John Burke.

"Hopefully the long-term benefits of such a modern facility will last for many years to come."

The bus station will have new bus shelters, raised kerbs to help people board buses, dropped crossings and a new taxi rank island, with its own shelter.

Extra seating, planters and hanging baskets are also planned.

The interchange area will be block paved in various colours to indicate the bus "layover" section, taxi waiting area and crossing points.

During the work buses and taxis will use alternative stopping points.

Taxis will use a section of the fairground car park as temporary ranks, and buses will use stops in Mill Street and High Street.

Cheshire County Council is putting £209,000 into the project, with a further £50,000 coming from the Rural Recovery Fund.

The scheme was prompted by concerns over the location of the bus stop near Morrisons.

Its position on a narrow pavement close to the supermarket wall makes it difficult for pedestrians, especially mums with buggies and people in wheelchairs, to squeeze past.

congleton@guardiangrp.co.uk