Is there a need for a 2nd sol central in Northampton?

The old bus station was in a poor state and Northampton council realized that it was costing us too much tax money to run, yet would cost even more to regenerate it and bring it to a good state. The action was taken to build a new bus station. However this was a architectural failure as commuters have complained that it was too hot in the summer and was “like a greenhouse” and in the winter time, commuters have complained that it was too cold. The other main problem is that a small number of buses go and arrive at from the Northgate bus station which means that the rest are stuck out on the drapery. On the 1st day the new bus station opened it caused gridlock in Northampton. The other problem is that most buses go from the drapery which in the rush hour can get very busy let alone accidents with pedestrians on numerous occasions. The drapery often get gridlocked which can result in buses being late on departure or arrival. Other complaints involved in buses not showing up in the right spot often because their is a bus still there or there's simply not enough space to park without causing gridlock which means that other buses are affected exiting the Northgate bus station as well as buses on the drapery. If a bus is parked in the wrong place or commuters are unsure of where their bus is going to park up upon arrival then they end up queuing up at the wrong spot, which if the bus parks somewhere different then this means that passengers waiting to board have to reque. This means that those that are at the front often end up getting on last. The main problem with buses on the drapery is that during the winter it can get cold very quickly which means that commuters are exposed to the elements. However it is worse when it rains heavily as everyone has to huddle under very limited and small shelters. The other problem is while there are clear no smoking signs in the bus shelters some people believe they have the audacity to smoke despite evidence by health experts that others around them and still get smoking related health issues because of 2nd degree smoke. But by having all the buses under 1 roof, smokers will be obliged by law not to smoke in public places which means that a “modern Greyfriars" bus station will be covered. This means that non smokers who like to take care over their health won't be affected by 2nd degree smoke.

I care that there needs be a bus station that can fit all the buses in under 1 roof while protecting commuters from the elements when boarding and waiting for their bus. The bus network is vital for silver surfers as we are living in a growing older population. It is also important for young people as not everyone can afford a car or can legally drive one yet. Lots of environmental experts state that public transport is a much more efficient for commuting around towns as it reduces traffic and emissions, but without the proper facilities the number of public transport users will drop which could lead to future cuts affecting those that depend on the bus network.

In conclusion we the undecided want

A bus station where all the buses start and terminate under 1 roof and allows commuters to board and exit under shelter. We also want under the same roof commuters to wait for their bus in complete shelter indoors.

1. Northgate bus station (new bus station) be used for coaches.
2. Join the modern Greyfriars up with the Grosvenor center allowing easy access to the Grosvenor centre shops and car park via walkway and lifts for disabled users.
3. Easy access to Mayorhold car park via walkway from the bus station (car park east of Greyfriars site).
4. Access to Northgate bus station via Mayorhold car park.