Petition to force improvements at bus station

The terminus has become a source of much complaint, with concerned residents and politicians criticising its shoddy and untidy appearance.

And after being disgusted by the amount of litter at the site over Easter, resident Tina Camilleri has launched a petition, which has so far been signed by hundreds of people.

It calls on bus operator Arriva, as well as site owner, Morrisons, to overhaul the station, with improved, enclosed facilities, signage and cleaning arrangements, saying substantial investment is required.

Tina, who admitted she is thinking about organising a protest at the station, said: “I have moaned about the state of the bus station for a long time, but I have decided to start the petition. The situation at the bus station is getting ridiculous now – it is beyond a joke.

“Elderly people don’t like the seats, there is no real shelter from the wind and rain and there are no toilet facilities. We need a modern bus station.”

The online petition at change.org (tinyurl.com/yddwg8b6) has been signed by more than 400 people, while a paper copy is available at Carlo’s fish and chip shop.

In January, we reported that an action plan had been drawn up, with improvement works planned for this year and into the future.

Discussions involved Morrisons, Arriva, Alnwick Town Council, Northumberland County Council and the police. The package of works proposed for this year included roof repairs; brighter and vandal-proof LED lighting; removal of unsightly steel barriers; jet washing of surfaces, and repainting and re-landscaping.

More substantial work beyond 2018 depends on funds.

Last month, Alnwick Labour Party submitted a petition to the county council calling for action at the site.