A BUS station that has been the subject of heavy criticism from passengers and residents may be about to change hands.

Durham County Council yesterday revealed it is in negotiations with current owners Arriva, to buy the North Road bus station, the main terminal in Durham City.

The authority's cabinet also announced that, regardless of the outcome of talks over future ownership, work would start in the next few weeks on a £250,000 makeover of the bus station.

The authority is now looking for cash from One NorthEast to fund the proposed improvements, which include enclosing the passenger waiting area, boosting CCTV coverage, improving the lighting, seating and flooring and installing airport-style information display boards, with up-to-the-minute details on arrivals, departures and delays.

North Road bus station, which was originally built in the mid-1970s, has attracted growing criticism over the years.

Residents say it is grimy, has poor facilities for travellers, has become a meeting place for teenagers and presents a daunting first impression of the city for visitors.

During the past 30 years, there has been little improvement at the terminal, other than a shelter being placed over the area where passengers queue.

A recent passenger survey carried out by specialist transport consultants on behalf of the city and county councils, One NorthEast, Durham University, Durham Police and the Dean and Chapter, described the bus station as a key asset for the city centre and said it was located well.

However, it also found that passengers were concerned about the poor quality of the facilities, especially the lighting, seating and protection from the elements.

Councillor Don Ross, chairman of Durham County Council's travel and transportation steering partnership, said the future for the station and passengers was "distinctly brighter" following the announcement.

He said: "If we are to encourage more people to use public transport and address the poor image it has and low satisfaction level among passengers, there is a need to provide high quality, safe and secure bus interchanges.

"I am delighted to say that the county council agreed to continue negotiations to buy the bus station from its present owners and embark on a range of much-needed improvements."

Late last year, work began on the first of three multi-million pound park and ride schemes which will ring Durham City to ease congestion on its overcrowded roads by encouraging commuters onto public transport.

Coun Ross said: "Our proposed purchase of the bus station and programme of improvements recognises its importance to the city and to public transport users."