Calls are made for improvements to Colchester's bus station

Colchester councillor Lee Scordis has branded the bus station in Osborne Street a magnet for anti-social behaviour, calling for urgent improvements to the site.

Maintenance at the station has proved tricky since it opened at a cost of £2 million in November 2012 due to scattered ownership of land by Colchester Council and Essex County Council.

However, a masterplan between the two authorities has pledged for them to join forces and collaborate together on regenerating the city centre.

For Mr Scordis, however, residents should not have to wait any longer.

Hub - Colchester's bus station

“We all know it is not the bus station we wanted and, frankly, it isn't fit for purpose for the city but passing by this weekend it's treated as if it is abandoned land,” said the councillor.

“The glass doors were smashed, there was graffiti and litter and the shelter smelt of urine and attracts anti-social behaviour.

“Worst of all are the paving slabs, half of which are a significant trip hazard on a service that is primarily used by elderly and disabled customers.

“Those paving stones removed have been left for the last 5 years with just uneven tar and look unsightly.”

The Gazette has previously been told the new masterplan will include a commitment to building a new “transport interchange hub” which will dramatically overhaul the bus station.

Hazardous - uneven paving at the site in Osborne Street

It also includes a pledge to promote the River Colne and Castle Park as tourist destinations in their own right, as well as a promise to enhance and protect conservation areas and locally listed buildings.

Mr Scordis continued: “There's a lot of questions around the bus station: Is this the right place for a bus station? Where else is there?

“What we can all agree on is that the current bus station is frankly a disgrace.

“It's incredible that a bus station, which ferries thousands of people to town each day, has failed to bring any form of wealth or regeneration to that part of town.

“In fact anyone visiting Colchester is instead transported to the most unwelcoming street in the town."