A Stagecoach buses boss has voiced his views on the poor state of Newton Abbot's bus station. In a statement, Christopher Hilditch, managing director of Stagecoach Devon, said: 'I have made my views known to Devon County Council that Sherborne road is a poor advert for the town. 'It has no meaningful enforcement and buses also have to contend with nearby car parks, but this need not be so. A sort of Dutch barn with a glass roof and decent stands and passenger facilities would be cheaper than building a new bus station and then Newton Abbot would be a decent place to use a bus.' Devon County Council has already undertaken some initial work with regard to potential improvement options and is currently drawing up plans. A county spokesman said: 'We are looking as a matter of priority at proposals to address the twin problems of providing a safe crossing point for Shopmobility and other users, and providing sufficient bus bays to accommodate all bus services. 'Unfortunately, the current design has insufficient space for all bus movements and a crossing point, and therefore some kind of redesign of the area of Sherborne Road around the Shopmobility and bus station is needed. 'Options and plans are currently being drawn up. 'These improvements will also need to plan for up to ten years ahead so that additional bus services serving new developments in the town can be accommodated – potentially as part of wider redevelopment plans for the town centre.'
