Bus station refurbished ahead of 100th anniversary

Workington bus station is believed to be the oldest purpose-built covered bus station in England

A bus station has reopened after a £100,000 refurbishment ahead of its 100th anniversary.

Buses returned to the station in Workington, Cumbria, after six weeks of work by operator Stagecoach.

Internal work changed the layout of the bays, meaning passengers no longer need to cross the bus station to reach their stop.

Stagecoach said there was also more room for buses to manoeuvre, making the station safer.

The building, which celebrates its centenary in March, is believed to be the oldest purpose-built covered bus station in Great Britain.

Tom Waterhouse, managing director for Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, told BBC Radio Cumbria the work was "absolutely vital".

Previously passengers had to cross the concourse to reach bus stops

"It was really important to us that we bring it up to date because it is such a hub of services, not only in and around Workington, but that pass through the west coast and serve Maryport and Whitehaven and beyond," he said.

"Because it's such an important part of the local community's history, it was really important to us that we gave it a bit of love."

Work is continuing on two external stands, meaning services 50, 51 and 52 will continue to use their temporary stops on Oxford Street and Vulcans Lane until work is completed in the coming weeks.

The refurbishment included a deep clean of the station.