WORK is now well back under way at Blackburn’s troubled new £4.7 million bus station.

Installation of the final iconic feature curved loops to hold up the glass panels surrounding the bright and airy main concourse is now close to completion.

The majority of external works, including the bus apron, have now been completed with tarmacadam and planters for shrubs and flowers installed. Hanging of the remaining glass panels is expected to commence in the next three weeks.

In September, Blackburn with Darwen regeneration boss Phil Riley announced the new public transport complex would not be completed in time for its original Christmas deadline following a change of main contractors.

Initial main contractor, Thomas Barnes, had been dropped in June in favour of the Eric Wright Group which has been developing the Cathedral Quarter. Its construction boss John Wilson has now issued an update on the work.

He said: “We have now been on site for a number of weeks and are pleased to report that we have now completed all due diligence and have engaged with a number of specialist contractors.”

Mr Wilson said work on the bolt installation for the sliding doors, alterations to the roof and drainage works were now well under way.

He added: “Shortly, we will be commencing the following operations:

•Glazing to envelope;

•Additional fire protection to steelworks;

•Completion of the partitions to the hub area;

•Mechanical and electrical installations; and

•Paving works to Ainsworth Street.

“It is always difficult to take over a contract part way through construction. However, we are doing everything we can to open the bus station as soon as possible.”

Cllr Riley said: “I am absolutely delighted that the major works on the new bus station are well under way and visible signs of that can now be seen.”