AMBITIOUS plans to turn Carnforth's near derelict train station into a haven for travellers, shoppers and tourist has been given a boost by the Government. This week the town was awarded a �660,500 grant to create a Transport Interchange at the station site, where a fleet of small buses will carry passengers to villages across the Lune Valley. The transport cash boost is expected to strengthen the station's regeneration plans with the county council already expressing an interest in renting one of the new shop units for a travel information centre. Tenders for contracts to undertake the first phase of the �1.15 million development went out this week and work could start as soon as April. Welcoming the Government money for the Transport Inter change, MP Geraldine Smith said: "The establishment of the Carnforth Connect Office will enable co-ordination of services, provision of real time information and booking of demand responsive buses serving the surrounding rural villages. Infrastructure changes will include a central interchange at Carnforth Railway Station and a bus focal point at Haws Hill to complement the new network."

Mr David Taylor of the Carnforth Station Regeneration Group  explained: "The bus station scheme can only be good news for us," he said. "The first phase will involve bringing the car park buildings up to an occupiable standard and making walls and roofs sound. We're still awaiting funding for the second phase which will consist of a restaurant and visitor centre." As part of their fund-raising effort the Carnforth Station Redevelopment Project is holding a special gala night screening of the classic film Brief Encounter, which was shot on location at Carnforth Station and in the surrounding area. Money raised from the gala night on March 18 will go towards the restoration fund.

www.thisislancashire.co.uk Thursday February 22, 2001 THE CITIZEN

<< back

[ Media ] [ Home ]