I wonder how many Winchester residents realise that, unless they formally object before 11.59 pm on October 13, there will no longer be a bus station in central Winchester.  Instead, buses may be incorporated into a transport interchange near the railway station.

The relevant information, not immediately obvious, is on page 85 of a lengthy publication named 'Your Place, Your Plan' - a title some may choose to amend to 'Our Place, Your Plan'.  The entry reads as follows:-  5.55 "Move the bus station to the rail station area and develop the site with city centre uses."

No cities and towns are alike, and whilst transport interchanges may work for some, there are others, Winchester for one, I feel, where they would not.

Due to Winchester's history and physical geography, the city centre is situated on a limited area of flat ground.  The tourist office, cathedral, sites of historical interest, civic offices, shopping centre, market, river and main parks, together with the bus station, are all there, conveniently, in a relatively small space.

The present bus station has much to commend it.  Some distance from Winchester's busy road system, it is quiet, airy and spacious.  Buses and information screens are clearly visible and, unlike many narrow plastic public benches, the seating is functional.  On level ground and with the main shops and the market nearby, the bus station is well placed to meet the needs of passengers with pushchairs, limited mobility and heavy shopping bags.

In short, Winchester's residents, shops, market traders, restaurants and tourist venues all benefit from a central bus station - and car use is reduced.

No doubt the city council already has  plans for the bus station sale proceeds.  But I urge councillors to put these plans to one side and to consider what local people - many of whom are unaware of the proposed sale - would want.  I believe that many would opt to retain Winchester's bus station.   Constituents may not be the keen cyclists and walkers that councillors would like them to be, but, whatever their lifestyles, I believe their needs and wishes should be respected.

I hope that residents and visitors alike will continue to enjoy the convenience of having a bus station where it is needed - in the city centre.

 

Mary Pearson,

Manor Close,

Winnall,

Winchester

 

Send letters by email to newsdesk@hampshirechronicle.co.uk or by post to Editor, Hampshire Chronicle, 5 Upper Brook Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8AL.
All letters and e-mails must include full names and addresses (anonymous letters will not be published), although these details may be withheld from publication, on request, if the reason justifies it.
Letters of 300 words or less will be given priority, although all are subject to editing for reasons of clarity, space, or legal requirements. We reserve the right to edit letters.