ELDERLY residents in Hyndburn have voiced their concerns about the “early” closure of Accrington Bus Station in winter.

The recently-opened £4.6million station currently closes its doors at 10pm and buses use an outdoor stop after that time.

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But fears have been raised by elderly residents over what happens when the station closes at night in the winter months.

Access to Union Street is blocked when the station is closed which forces bus users to walk around the building via King Street.

People have said that in the colder months they would have to brave the elements as they wait for a late bus.

Cllr Peter Britcliffe, who represents Oswaldtwistle on Lancashire County Council, has called on County Hall to change the late night closures.

He said: “The bus station closes at 10pm which is early when there is still services to and from Accrington that residents use.

“Access to Union Street is cut off so I’ve been hearing a lot of concern from elderly residents who have to walk around the station to access the outdoor bus stop.

“Their main fears are when the weather takes a turn for the worse in winter and what that could mean to transport around the town.

“Winter is not that far away and access should be granted to those who can’t afford to have an accident in the cold.

“I call on Lancashire County Council to get the bus station open during the buses hours of service.”

Cllr John Fillis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “This is the first time a complaint has been brought forward to our attention about the bus station, but if people do feel very strongly about the bus station being closed after 10pm, we will definitely have a look at it.

“Obviously we understand the concern about when the weather gets colder and we could accommodate things around that.

“It is our priority to look after elderly residents in the area and if the problem is such a big one for them, then changes can be sought and could be made.

“Everyone I have personally spoken to has said the bus station is a great thing for Accrington and it has helped improve the town.”

The bus station opened its doors in May and is part of the £40million Pennine Reach scheme designed to speed journeys between Hyndburn, Blackburn and Darwen.

As reported in the Telegraph, the station has faced criticism to its cost and proposed timetables.