Worksop: Work on new bus station is delayed again

It is the second time in the last 12 months that work has had to be put back.

Original plans for the sparkling public service facility stated that it would open in the summer of 2014.

Then in August 2013 Notts County Council announced that it would not be ready until spring 2015.

However, the Guardian understands that it is now not likely to be completed until September 2015.

A spokesman for Notts County Council said: “We have appointed Wates Construction as the main contractor to build the new Worksop Bus Station.”

“The contractor is due to take possession of the site from Monday 15th September and the anticipated construction period is one year.”

The Guardian was shown around the site in May but it appears not much progress has been made since that visit with no signs of any workers in hard hats and hi-viz jackets for a while.

Disgruntled members of the town took to social media to express their disappointment at the breaking news as the Guardian went to press.

Linzi Lou Hopson wrote: “I think its ridiculous... nothing good ever comes to this town and they cant even do a bus station without delays.. sort it out!!!”

David John Cook said: “Been waiting twenty years for it another one won’t make much difference.”

Paula Wright also wrote: “For what reason? Typical for Worksop! Theres no wonder people go out of Worksop to shop because theres nothing decent in Worksop because the local authority cant make a decision!”

Notts County Council has told the Guardian it has been finalising details of the work to be carried out so that contractors can make a start next month.

The spokesman added: “The first phase of works, which we informed neighbouring residents and businesses about and was outlined in the public exhibition, was the Queen Street car park reduction and renovation works, which took place in March to April.”

“We have carried out junction changes to Newcastle Street/Watson Road junction which were completed in July.”

“Archaeology work has also taken place over the summer.”

When the new bus station is complete, it will use design elements from other bus stations such as at Retford.

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