LIBERAL Democrat councillors have criticised plans for a revamped bus station in Lichfield as “totally inadequate”.
Lichfield District Council has unveiled fresh proposals for the facility as part of the Birmingham Road Site redevelopment.
A statement supporting the plans said:
“In terms of the reconfigured bus stop provision, this has been discussed with the bus providers and Staffordshire County Council with the level of reconfigured provision confirmed to be acceptable.”
But members of the Liberal Democrats say the proposals will not be sufficient.
Cllr Richard Henshaw said:
“We are delighted that the insane idea of moving the bus station to the other side of the road has been dropped – and that the concerns that we have raised about this have been addressed.
“However, this whole Birmingham Road site project has been marketed as the gateway to the city. The idea of a linear park is a good one, and the increased and reorganised car parking facilities will be welcomed by many.
“However, for passengers arriving by bus, these latest plans are totally inadequate.
“Many residents of the city and the surrounding towns and villages make use of buses on a daily basis.
“The increased use of public transport is one of the ruling group’s expressed aims, but this half-baked plan does nothing to encourage that.”
Drawings submitted as part of a planning application show a smaller number of bus stops compared to the existing park, with a compound adjacent for the nearby housing development on the former Tempest Ford plot.
But Cllr John Smith said there were concerns over how the bus station would function.
He added:
“If the plans are implemented, the passenger waiting area would seem to be the same as at present with us shelters without seating, each capable of holding 12 people at most – fewer if wheelchairs and baby buggies are in there – and open air seating between them. If a seat is required, there is no roofed seating.
“The passenger facilities available in other towns and cities are simply not there. These include toilet facilities and electronic timetables. The current two toilets will be retained and moved, but the number will not be increased, though they are in use by bus crews and passengers, not to mention coach parties.
“The size of the compound – as the builder’s yard is named on the plans – is the limiting factor here.
“No doubt the council will claim that this arrangement is only temporary and that when the land is sold, the compound will be replaced by something more permanent.”
However, Cllr Henshaw warned changes to the future of councils as part of local government reorganisation could create further uncertainty for the whole Birmingham Road site project.
He said:
“The new unitary authority will have other things on their mind for the first few years which will take priority over this development.”
Cllr Smith added:
“It would be far better to reduce the size of this builder’s yard, even though it may be necessary to have such a thing in order to complete the residential phase of construction, and to use the space to provide a structure for the Birmingham Road site containing the necessary amenities for residents and visitors to Lichfield who use local and national bus services.
“This current scheme provides them with no ticket to ride.”
