New safety measures installed at bus station to tackle ASB

Major improvement work is being carried at a Stoke-on-Trent bus station, making it safer, more comfortable and easier for passengers travelling around the city.

New lighting, seating and CCTV is being installed at Longton Bus Station as part of the project which aims to improve the look of the station and reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

Part of the existing canopy which covers all nine stands at the bus station is also being removed to create more open space and improve visibility.

In addition, information boards displaying real-time passenger information will be installed in the new year, during Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary year.

The work has been carried out in partnership with Staffordshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. It has been funded by £46,409 of Government funding as part of the Safer Streets 5 programme.

Councillor Majid Khan, cabinet member for community safety and resilience at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We are aware of some of the problems which have been reported in this area including dangerous driving, disorder, vandalism and criminal damage and we believe that these improvements will go a long way to combat these issues.

“We are working with partners all over the city to design out crime in our town centres and this project is just one example of how we working together to make our city safer for all.”

In addition to the work at Longton Bus Station, a separate package of improvements is being planned in the near future, funded by the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government.

This work will include improved pedestrian links between the bus station and the neighbouring retail park, market and surrounding businesses.

Ben Adams, Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, said: “Funding from the Safer Streets project has been used across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to tackle anti-social behaviour which can blight our communities.

“I hope that bus station users will feel much safer as a result of this work.”

Stoke-on-Trent South MP Allison Gardner said: “The work at Longton bus station is just a small part of the work the council are doing to make the city safer for everyone.

“Additional lights, cameras and the open plan bus station will provide better access and improve visibility to deter people from using the station for anti-social activities.

“The Safer Streets funding will improve the streets, leading to a safer more accessible city. I hope everyone will feel the benefits of this.”