Bus station idea for car park

Feb 15 2008 by Ben Guy, The Journal

BUS passengers in part of Northumberland could soon be looking forward to a new station, thanks to a council study.

The Tynedale Council-led study investigated options for improving Hexham’s bus station, with the Loosing Hill car park in the town being identified as the best site for a replacement.

Council portfolio holder for resources Coun Anne Dale said the site was the preferred option because it had level access and was close to the main shopping area.

She said: “We are very pleased to be in a position to recommend a new and modern transport facility in Hexham.

“After considering all the issues around the existing site, and consulting with stakeholders, we feel that users would be best served by a pleasant new station at Loosing Hill.

“Implications for car parking will be taken seriously and we will be promoting car parking improvements wherever possible, including how the existing bus station site can contribute to this.”

The options of redeveloping the station at the present site or moving it elsewhere in the town were also investigated.

Other possible sites included Hexham Railway Station, Wentworth car park and a combination of on-street facilities at Priestpopple.

The findings of the study are due to go before a meeting of the council’s cabinet this month. Coun Ingrid Whale, the special adviser for public health on the council's cabinet and a county councillor, said: “I am very pleased to support this proposal, which I believe to be the best for bus users and for the town overall.”

New pedestrian crossings and bus stops in Priestpopple will also be considered.

The scheme would use 75 of the 125 parking spaces at Loosing Hill car park and the council said it would look at how to replace them.