LANCASHIRE County Council has pledged an additional £41,000 to enable work to start on Lancaster's long-awaited new bus station.

The extra money will bridge the short-fall of funding caused when tenders for the ambitious £2 million pound project were higher than expected.

At a special city council meeting acting chief executive David Corker reported that the money would mean the lowest tender could be accepted, with contracting work due to start on June 19.

Cllr Carol Broad welcomed the news saying: "I urge we proceed with the bus station as a matter of urgency. It is crucial for the city of Lancaster."

Cllr Ian Barker added: "We should not only accept the offer from the County Council but write to them to thank them for their offer.

"The transportation committee are putting in far more money than we are and it needs to be recognised what they are doing for public transport in the area."

The bus station was closed months ago, with the planned redevelopment work delayed by the lack of funds.

"I think the council owes a large apology to the weary travellers, the public who have to tolerate waiting for buses without the provision of bus shelters which have still not been up," commented Cllr John Harrison.

Several members of the finance and corporate policy committee wanted to know how much money station operators Stagecoach were contributing to the project.

Vic Crumley, acting director of development, told the committee that the company had been approached but were investing money in new buses and services instead.

"The rental of the facility will be renegotiated to reflect the new modern facility," he added.