COUNCIL chiefs say multi-million pound plans for a new Durham bus station are only a first draft.

Durham County Council bosses were speaking following a three-day public exhibition of their proposals for North Road, Durham City.

The proposed bus station’s modern glass design attracted criticism.

However, Dave Wafer, the council’s strategic traffic manager, said the majority of the 300 people who attended the exhibition supported the scheme, with many saying: “get on with it”.

He admitted some disliked the canopy but said the design was “only a first draft” and would be continually revised.

Mr Wafer said the facility would have to provide security for passengers and allow them to see buses coming, but there would be some screening.

Sarah Robson, the council’s head of economic development and housing, said: “If it’s new, there’s nothing wrong with it looking new.

“We want to do something that’s of its time and do it well.”

The existing bus station is “pretty ugly”, has empty shops, capacity issues and a leaking roof and attracts anti-social behaviour, Mr Wafer added.

It would be demolished to make way for a new flagship store.

Mrs Robson said there had been interest in a larger site in Durham.

The new bus station would be on the site of Hopper House, which would be demolished.

North Road would be diverted behind North Road Methodist Church and a pedestrian area created.

Mrs Robson said this would not be built as an events space, but to improve the environment and the city’s “arrival point”.

“Currently you land (in Durham) and think: ‘Where am I?’” she said.

Mrs Robson said views of the Viaduct would not be damaged and the project would create a better setting for the church.

North Road roundabout would make way for a through road, which Mr Wafer said would reverse the “1970s intrusion into the city” and make the area safer and easier to navigate for pedestrians.

To take part in the council’s consultation, call 03000-262-047 or email: northroad@durham.gov.uk

Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods has called a public meeting to discuss the North Road scheme and plans to turn the former County Hospital into student digs. It will be held in Durham Town Hall on Monday, June 2, at 6.30pm.

Council chiefs hope to file a planning application this summer and that the project will be completed by the end of next year.