Demolition of Telford Bus Station is halted

Demolition plans for Telford Bus Station have been halted after an outcry from a bus firm, politicians and user groups.

The depot was set to be bulldozed and replaced by six stops along the Box Road as part of the 200m development to transform Telford Town Centre.

But planners, who approved the largest proposal in a decade, last night put a legal injuction in place to stop any work on the bus station until an alternative has been agreed.

Original leisure, retail and nightspot plans within the Box Road and Central Southwater show applicant Telford Trustees preferred option of an on road bus interchange.

But the council was inundated with objections, including from bus firm Arriva, which branded the suggestion of demolishing the station unacceptable.

Church Aston Parish Council wrote to the council saying it could forsee difficulties for the those who rely on public transport.

Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard and Telford & Wrekin Bus User Group also contacted the authority to criticise the plan.

Speaking at last nights meeting of Telford & Wrekin Councils planning committee, Councillors Ian Fletcher and Nigel Dugmore warned scrapping the bus and coach station could leave passengers dodging traffic and abstained from voting on the application.

In a report to members, planning officer Gareth Thomas said: It is argued that spreading the bus station across four legs of the Box Road will promote linked trips, create footfall on the urban boulevards, will provide the opportunity for bus expansion, including longer buses.

But the on street facility has not been welcomed by either the councils public transport team or Arriva.

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Demolition of Telford Bus Station is halted