Green light for bus station plans

PLANS to build a new bus station in Castleford have taken a step forward after detailed planning permission for the project was granted by Wakefield Council.

Metro will now move forward with the detailed design phase of the project and appoint a contractor.

Construction work should start on site in early 2014, and the bus station will be open before spring the following year.

The new drive in-reverse out bus station on the site of the existing drive-through station will provide waiting passengers with a well-lit, fully enclosed waiting area, level boarding for buses, real-time information screens linked to Metro’s yournextbus service, a Metro Travel Centre, retail unit, CCTV coverage throughout and public toilets.

There will also be improvements to the walking route to Castleford train station.

“I’m delighted that the council has approved plans to improve Castleford Bus Station,” said Coun Yvonne Crewe, Metro’s district spokesperson for Wakefield.

“During consultations earlier in the year, many people turned out to support those plans. It shows the importance people in Castleford place on good transport facilities and I am sure that through this new bus station we will be able to meet that demand.”

The planning permission includes a condition requiring further archaeological surveys before development can start, which will be carried out in parallel with the tender process.

Some bus services will be diverted to existing and temporary bus stops around Castleford town centre, and Metro is liaising with Wakefield Council and local businesses to minimise any disruption during the construction phase.