Plans to transform bus stops in Slough that have been deemed 'unsafe' and 'unreliable' have been given the green light.
Slough Council has approved proposals for changes to bus stops on roads including Brunel Way, Wellington Street, Windsor Road and Farnham Road.
It follows the permanent closure of Slough Bus Station which is expected to be sold off by the council after being deemed to be 'surplus to requirements'.
In a report, following the approval by the council's executive director for regeneration, housing and environment, the council said the current arrangements at the bus stops are 'are unsafe, unreliable, and inadequate for buses, passengers, and residents'.
Under the new proposals, given the green light in March, new pedestrian crossings, bus shelters, and kerbs would be created.
Pavements, bus stop laybys and footpaths would also be extended in a bid to 'provide a safer and more reliable interchange', the council has said.
The new works will be funded by £917,500 from the Department for Transport's BSIP Capital allocation, as well as £22,500 from Great Western Rail.
It has not been revealed how much the works are expected to cost in total.
In a decision notice, the authority said: "The changes represent urgent short-term measures that will provide a safer and more reliable interchange on Wellington Street and Brunel Way following the closure of Slough Bus Station, whilst addressing issues at other bus stops that prevent disabled or people with mobility issues from using buses easily, or at all.
"These proposals also benefit other road users by reducing potential conflicts between buses and other vehicular traffic.
"Alongside addressing urgent operational and safety issues, the works will significantly improve the passenger experience by providing modern, accessible infrastructure that encourages greater use of bus services, walking, and cycling as alternatives to the private car.
"The works will also support regeneration around Brunel Way and Wellington Street, aligning with wider town centre redevelopment and the anticipated growth from new housing and commercial developments."
The decision to approve the plans is now expected to allow council officers to commission the delivery of the construction work.
It comes as a wider package of works under the Slough’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) Delivery Plan.
As well as the bus stop works, some minor highway improvements have been approved including on Trelawney Avenue, Spencer Road, Parlaunt Road, Sutton Lane and Blandford Road South.
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