Warwick bus station consultation underway
Consultation on plans for Warwick’s new bus station got underway today in the town centre.
From today until Saturday an exhibition displaying the proposals are in Market Place in Warwick, as part of a consultation running until the end of May.
And for those who cannot make the exhibition all of the details and feedback opportunities are available via the Warwickshire County Council website at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/warwickbusstation
The county council has already found from consultation that there is widespread support for a new bus station in the centre of Warwick from the public, local authorities and organisations within the town, and views are now being welcomed to finalise the details.
The existing bus services have to use town centre streets, this is not ideal, and the bus stops in Market Street have become congested.
The bus station will be sited on the existing West Gate car park, which will be reduced in size.
Variable message signs will be erected on the outskirts of the town to assist drivers to find alternative car parking elsewhere in the town by displaying the numbers of spaces available in car parks. These should be in place in the town by the end of this year.
The bus station will handle the existing bus services and the future increase in buses from the proposed park and ride for Warwick.
Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “The siting of the new bus station will make bus travel easier, and therefore provide a more attractive alternative to the car. It will also provide a more comfortable interchange for passengers and improve the efficiency of the bus operations in the town centre.”
The public are being invited to attend an exhibition where they can find out more about the proposals for the new bus station and to give their thoughts on its design. The exhibition is taking place in the county council’s exhibition bus, in Market Place on:
Today 10.00am to 7.00pm
Friday, 27th April, 10.00am to 4.00pm
Saturday, 28th April, 10.00am to 12noon
County council officers will be available to answer questions at the exhibition. In addition comment forms will be available at the exhibition for people to complete and return by post. The closing date for the consultation is Thursday 31st May 2007.
Cllr Heatley added: “The new bus station will be a real benefit for Warwick. It will improve the town centre environment by removing the buses and make it a more pleasant place to shop and visit. The exhibition is a great opportunity for the bus users and for the people of Warwick to look at the design of the bus station and let us know their views.”