NEW bus station plans for Accrington have moved a step closer after council bosses approved recommendations to buy land for the development.

Lancashire County Council’s leader Geoff Driver agreed that a Compulsory Purchase Orders for land in the town centre could be made.

Coun Driver also said a Side Roads Order could be made to enable the council to change the traffic on the roads once the bus station in Crawshaw Street is approved and built.

A number of sites in Accrington town centre have been considered but following a review, Lancashire County Council has said that Crawshaw Street car park, owned by Hyndburn Council, is the preferred location.

The new Accrington bus station is being created as part of the Pennine Reach bus scheme.

Plans for a new station were agreed last year after Hyndburn Council highlighted the need for a replacement in 2007.

The bus station in Peel Street has been described as ‘sub standard’ and offers ‘poor’ passenger facilities. It also failed to meet Disability Discrimination Act guidelines.