Fresh calls made for bus interchange

FRESH proposals for a bus and coach interchange have been put forward.

The Observer reported in 2009 how environmental group Sustainable Rugby wanted to see a central drop off point at The Retreat car park behind the Benn Hall to ease congestion on North Street and Clifton Road.

And now it has renewed its calls and put forward land behind the Clock Towers shopping centre to also be considered as part of its planned £20m extension.

Chairman Neil Sandison said 11 bus firms were now running services into the town centre while bans on coaches using West way car park and the leisure centre was leading drivers to take their breaks in residential streets.

He also pointed to research which indicated visitors by bus and coach spent more time and money in the town centre than car users.

"If our town centre is going to survive then it must cater for loyal customers who use the town centre on a regular basis," Coun Sandison said.

"We currently have a window of opportunity with the proposed redevelopment of North Street to integrate a bus and coach interchange into its design or on an adjacent council car park.

"That is why we are supporting the call for a modern interchange not as a short term measure but integral part of the local plan for the town centre."

The group said it was currently involved in a review of bus stops with Rugby First and the borough and county councils.

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