A LEADING Burnley bus company has welcomed the go-ahead for plans to redevelop the town's bus station.

Russell Revill, operations manager with Burnley and Pendle Travel, said the improvements were long overdue and claimed they would provide a major boost to the retailing economy of the town centre.

Mr Revill said the re-development work would cause major upheaval for bus users in the town but asked them to be patient.

"The transfer of all services into the adjacent streets from October to July will require a great deal of planning, administration and extra staff time," said Mr Revill.

"However the new bus station will, without doubt, be a major boost to the retailing economy of the town centre and indeed to the general wellbeing of the whole of Burnley.

"It is a challenge we welcome and now wish to see construction work start as soon as possible."

The bus station closes at midnight on Saturday, October 6, and the temporary stands come into use the following day.

Burnley and Pendle Travel has produced a new passenger information leaflet which explains the temporary arrangements for arrivals and departures.