Concerns over station location

John from the Hardy Street newsagents is concerned the new site will ‘kill off’ footfall on Hardy Street, and says the council is favouring big businesses like Asda.

“A bus station is good but where they are putting it is ridiculous,” he said.

“There has been no thought for local businesses on Hardy Street and conveniently the new bus station is to be put right next to Asda.”

“We are going to lose over 200 customers a day when the bus station goes - Hardy Street is going to be a dead street.”

“There has been no consultation with local businesses. It’s a great idea, but in times of austerity the council should be working with local businesses rather than against them.”

But Coun Richard Jackson, chair of transport and highways at Notts County Council, said Retford had seen a 35 per cent increase in people travelling on buses since the new bus station was built there five years ago. “In real terms that’s an increase in passengers of around 250,000 and I’m sure all traders in Worksop would welcome a similar increase in footfall in the town,” he said.

“A full consultation will take place before plans are finalised. Traders will have a chance to have their say and their needs, along with the needs of residents and the travelling public, will be taken into account in planning for Worksop’s new bus station.”