Refurbishment plans to make bus station safer

People are being asked to share their thoughts on plans to refurbish a local bus station.

Durham County Council said proposals to renovate Stanley Bus Station were intended to make the facility safer for passengers, as well as improve accessibility.

Plans include redesigning the main entrance, a new waiting area, better toilet facilities and improvements to the public space around the bus station.

It comes after passengers reported concerns about anti-social behaviour and feeling unsafe, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The Reform-run council has submitted a bid for funding from the North East Combined Authority's Bus Service Improvement Plan in order to refurbish the station, which was built in 2005.

If the bid is successful, work could begin on site as early as next spring.

The existing bus operators' rest facility, onsite retail kiosk and taxi office are not included as part of the proposed refurbishment work, and are expected to continue operating as normal.

Durham County Council said: "The refurbishment works aim to make the bus station safer and more welcoming for everyone, with a particular focus on women and girls - in line with the North East Mayor's priorities - by improving both the actual, and perceived, safety."

What is being proposed?

The plans include a range of improvements inside and outside the building.

Interior work includes upgraded digital and interactive passenger information displays, and improved CCTV and lighting to enhance safety.

As part of the redesign of the main entrance, the automatic doors will be moved closer to the outside, with an extra set of doors inside removed. The local authority said this would "remove areas where congregation can occur" and create a "more open, welcoming entrance".

The waiting area will also be improved, to include a designated wheelchair waiting area, and the toilets will be fully refurbished.

The canopy overhanging the entrance and the clock face will be removed as part of the exterior work.

The consultation is taking place until 9 November.