2:40pm Sunday 21st March 2010
By Owen Bennett
COLCHESTER’S new bus station might not be ready by the time the temporary town centre bus depot closes.
A leading borough councillor has admitted the town may have to go without a bus station for a time.
Residents will be consulted this autumn about the best option to cope with the closure of the temporary station, off Queen Street, in 2012.
Planners have suggested a new facility in Stanwell Street, but say it would not open until after 2012.
One short-term solution being considered is a two-way “bus interchange” in Head Street.
Tim Young, councillor responsible for street services, said: “We are concerned about the bus facilities and the bus station as it is.
“Head Street does look like a interim measure. There may be a period when there won’t be a bus station. We want that to be as short as possible.”
Mr Young was speaking to residents and councillors when he joined Alan Lindsay, Essex County Council’s senior transport planner, to talk about the future of the town’s transport system.
Mr Lindsay said both councils backed a phased approach to the bus station issue, as did local bus and taxi operators.
Phase one would be a two-way Head Street bus interchange, to be brought in between 2010 and 2012.
Phase two would be a new bus facility in Stanwell Street, to open sometime after 2012.
Derek Robinson, county councillor for Brightlingsea, criticised the existing facilities.
He said: “Elderly and disabled people from around the town have to stand like a cattle market in the High Street.
“Can you make sure we have a 21st century station?”
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