Heckmondwike bus station plan could be just the ticket

The new bus station in Heckmondwike in now one step closer after plans were green lit.
GREEN LIGHT The site where the proposed Heckmondwike Bus Hub could be built. Work is expected to start this summer.GREEN LIGHT The site where the proposed Heckmondwike Bus Hub could be built. Work is expected to start this summer.
GREEN LIGHT The site where the proposed Heckmondwike Bus Hub could be built. Work is expected to start this summer.

Councillors approved proposals for the town’s £650,000 bus hub at the latest cabinet meeting.

But after years of wrangles, they warned the time for action is now.

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Leader of Kirklees Council Coun David Sheard (Lab, Heckmondwike) said: “Like everyone, I would be delighted for this to happen. But again, like everyone, I will believe it when I see it.

“I am overjoyed that we are a step closer but I really want to see someone on the ground there.”

Coun Kath Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) said: “The trouble with Heckmondwike is the bus stops are all over the place, and it is not clear where you have to go if you are changing from one bus to another.

“It is something we have to do – it will be very positive for Heckmondwike.”

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The plans involve building a bus terminal on the north side of the green, with four bus stands and a shelter.

Plans for the bus hub were put together by bus operator Arriva, Metro and Kirklees Council, and various plans have been around since 2006. But years of issues over the land have continuously put the plans on the back-burner.

Of the £650,000 cost, £300,000 will come from the mainly-government funded Local Transport Plan Partnership, with the remaining £350,000 from Kirklees Council.

Coun Sheard said at the meeting that he wants to see the hub completed within a year.

He said: “We want there to be a March 2015 completion date for the bus hub.”

Work is hoped to begin on the site this summer.