Bus station “not yet officially open”

Amidst some residents branding the new Welshpool travel hub a “waste of money”, after sitting mostly empty since completion, one local county councillor has explained why there is a lack of activity at the £500,000 facility.

The bus station was promised to bring in the tourists and provide a safe spot to catch local services, but a month since being declared finished by the council, the site remains largely unused with the bike stand also looking forgotten.

But Cllr Graham Breeze said he has taken up the complaints with council officers, especially with some residents complaining that buses are still stopping in dangerous spots elsewhere in town.

“I have been given confirmation that the new station is not yet officially open and no changes to routes have been made,” he explained. “It would appear that some of the drivers have been wrongly using the station.

“No route changes have been made. Any changes need to be approved by the Traffic Commissioner and this can take up to six weeks. No applications have been made as far as I know.

“I have asked PCC to remind all coach operators that the station is not yet open and for a sign to be erected telling potential passengers the same. I saw quite a few waiting there at the weekend.”

Residents have been taking to social media lately criticising the travel hub on Church Street Car Park, with buses still stopping in dangerous areas of the town instead. However there has also been public support for the new facility, with this latest update showing that residents and travellers need to be patient.