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Bus user group slam latest news on Exeter Bus Station closure

Bus user groups have slammed the news that there will be yet another cancellation of the closure of Exeter Bus Station.

Exeter City Council on Monday lunchtime announced that from Sunday, June 17, some services will temporarily relocate to nearby dedicated stands on street, but seven bays will remain in use at the bus station.

This arrangement will stay in place throughout the period of construction to create a new Exeter Bus Station, which is expected to open in the winter of 2020.

But John Brownbridge, on behalf of the Exeter and District Bus Users Group, has said that refurbishing the current bus station is the best option and that yet again, a decision on the total closure has been delayed.

Back in February, it had been proposed that coaches would stop using the bus station beyond May 2018, and passengers will be picked up and dropped off at temporary stands in Sidwell Street, although council officers were exploring the possibility that the upper apron can remain partially open, allowing some bus services to continue operating there

Mr Brownbridge said: “This is yet another cancellation of the closure of the bus station, and how many more times will we have to suffer. There is still time to convince councillors that the best option is to refurbish the current bus station.”

The new bus station is being funded by Exeter City Council. The council is also funding a major new leisure centre at the site, which is also expected to open in the winter of 2020.

Bob Dennison, managing director of Stagecoach South West, said: “My priority has always been to minimise disruption to our customers whilst the new bus station is constructed. I am therefore pleased that we will be able to continue to use a number of bays at the current location, helping to maintain easy access to the city centre. Our existing Travelshop will also remain open to help with customer enquiries and ticket sales."

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