WORK on the Pennine Reach Project in Accrington will get underway early next month, it was revealed.

All the land at the site of the town’s new £6.4 million bus station, in Crawshaw Street, will fall into the ownership of Lancashire County Council in the middle of this month.

MORE TOP STORIES:

In documents, the council said: “It was anticipated that contractors would be on site the week beginning February 2 to begin preparations and construction.

“In the interim period, small items of work would be undertaken in relation to gas and electricity services at the location.

“Building work should be completed by the middle of January 2016 with fitting taking a couple of months, so the facility should be operational by the end of March 2016.”

The Lady Clitheroe clothes shop will be demolished, it was also decided.

A walk-way to the new bus stop will be created.

The controversial plans to move the bus station from Peel Street were passed in October.

Traders had protested to local government secretary Eric Pickles who ordered a public inquiry in June.

Mr Pickles approved the compulsory purchase order needed for the move to go ahead.

Council leader Miles Parkinson said: “This is fantastic news for the town.”

Opponents including Mario Sarchet from Peter’s Jewellers, in Blackburn Road, Accrington said:they were very disappointed.