Why are we working to deliver a Parish-provided Bus Shelter?
A request from a resident in 2022 was received concerning children having no means of sheltering from the rain and snow whilst waiting for the school buses, and the Parish Council was asked what provision could be made.
What process was undertaken?
The Parish Council inquired about the estimated costs and any aesthetic requirements concerning the design code of street furniture with Wynyard Park.
Once this information was gathered, the Parish Council considered the bus shelter, which was on the January 2023 Parish Council Meeting Agenda, and agreed to make provision for this to be included in our 2023/24 budget, subject to a successful bid for majority funding from RedGap. As grant applications over £ 5,000 are funded at a maximum of 80% of the total cost, the Parish Council agreed at a public meeting to be willing to fund the remaining 20% of the price if required.
Whilst awaiting a decision on funding from RedGap, inquiries were then undertaken with Wynyard Park and Hartlepool Borough Council Highways Department to determine appropriate sites; this work is ongoing. The final site will be limited to locations approved by Wynyard Park and Hartlepool Borough Council – As of September 2023, we believe the most likely location is near The Meadows.
Once a location has been agreed upon with all required authorities and the required number of quotations for the supply of a wooden shelter, have been obtained (as required by Wynyard Park street furniture design code), then work on the installation will progress, initially for the benefit of school children and residents using the Teesflex service.
It is hoped that as Wynyard Park develops and demand for bus service provision is recognised, additional shelters may be requested for consideration for other areas of Wynyard within the Hartlepool Boundary.
If you are a Wynyard Resident within the Stockton boundary and want to see a similar provision made near you, please get in touch with your Parish Council via their website.