THREE past their ‘best by’ date bus shelters in Minehead are to be replaced later this year after the town council agreed to pilot a new Somerset Council programme.
The unitary authority is using a Government Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) grant to improve bus shelters across the county.
It has promised to replace some of Minehead’s bus shelters which have reached the end of their working life.
The three locations are in:
- Bircham Road, opposite Brook Street
- Bancks Street, at the junction with The Parade
- The Avenue, outside the cinema
Town clerk Ben Parker said: “We are delighted to see investment in Minehead’s public transport infrastructure.
“These new shelters will provide a safer, more comfortable experience for passengers and demonstrate the value of partnership working.
“Once installed, they will be adopted by the town council as part of our wider devolution agreement with Somerset Council, ensuring ongoing local care and stewardship.
“To enable this upgrade, the existing shelters will need to be removed ahead of the arrival of the new structures.
“Due to necessary lead times for design, manufacture, and delivery, there will be a temporary period over the summer during which these bus stops will not have shelters in place.
“This is a short-term inconvenience that will lead to a long-term benefit for the town.
“The new shelters are expected to be installed by early autumn, ahead of the seasonal shift in weather, ensuring that passengers will soon enjoy modern, more comfortable, and weather-protected waiting areas.
“The two authorities have worked closely to bring these improvements to the town, ensuring local needs are prioritised and future management of the shelters remains with the community.”
Somerset executive Cllr Richard Wilkins said: “Improving bus shelters is an important part of making bus travel more attractive and in turn encouraging more people to use the bus.”