A PENSIONERS’ group has spoken out against plans for Colchester’s £2million bus station.

Work is due due to start on July 30, but the scheme has already been poorly received by the public and bus users’ group, C-bus.

Concerns have been raised that the terminus, at the junction of Osborne Street and Stanwell Street, will not be big enough.

Now Charity Age UK Colchester has criticised the plans.

It fears the number of people moving between the steps and lift at Eld Lane to Osborne Street will significantly increase, but that no provision is being made for their safety.

The charity pointed out there was another small, awkward, set of steps at the car park, which had to be negotiated.

People who have difficulties with steps, or those in a wheelchair, would have to continue round a nearby slope. But here there is no path and they would be proceeding against a flow of traffic coming into the Vineyard Street car park.

The charity is demanding a proper pavement across the car park, with designated crossing points, from the Eld Lane stairs and lift to Osborne Street, so any dangers to pedestrians is minimised.

Trustee Peter Simpson said: “If the authorities are insistent the new bus facility is to be in Osborne Street, then they must make certain passengers are able to get to the location from the town centre safely.

“Sadly, at present, this is not the case, for you have to walk through the Vineyard Street car park and negotiate a difficult flight of steps.

"People in wheelchairs, or with mobility problems are in even greater danger, because they have to use the roadway and there is no path available.’’ Mr Simpson added: “I think the authorities need to carry out a full risk assessment for the larger numbers of people that will be crossing the Vineyard Street car park, and undertake safety procedures, before work starts.”

The charity’s concerns have been passed to Colchester Council and Essex County Council.

Colchester Council had to secure four times more money than originally planned for the project, which will include a waiting area with state-of-the-art information boards and refurbished toilets.

Lyn Barton, Colchester Councillor for renaissance, said: “We and Essex County Council are working in partnership to deliver the bus station and other improvements as part of the Better Town Centre programme. This has included involving user groups as the proposals have been developed.

“We will respond direct to Age UK following their contact with the council.”