A NEW £700,000 bus station for Llandrindod Wells has been officially opened.

Representatives from Powys County Council and Llandrindod Wells Town Council were present for the official opening of the station which the county council calls a "transport interchange" on Station Crescent close to the town’s train station.

A Powys council spokesman said: "The new interchange provides a central hub connecting bus and train facilities in a single location and includes a cycle shelter and bus shelters.

"An interactive information point, which provides real-time information of when buses are due at the interchange, has also been installed."

Powys council purchased the site on Station Crescent, which was occupied by a former garage, and build the bus station due to £700,000 funding from the Welsh Government.

As part of the project, the council has worked closely with Powys Teaching Health Board to improve the infrastructure for public transport users living and visiting Llandrindod Wells, which saw the health board’s car park move away from the railway station to land occupied by the former garage.

The new bus station offers a greatly enhanced and safer designated bus terminus for the regular bus services which visit the town. It has also eased congestion around the town’s railway station, where the north and south-bound buses previously met.

Cllr Aled Davies, deputy leader and cabinet member for transport, said: “I’m delighted that this interchange has officially opened. It is a huge boost to the town and now allows people and businesses to travel safely to their destination.

"I would like to thank the Welsh Government for funding this project, which has made a real difference to residents and visitors to Llandrindod Wells.

"This project also highlights the successes that can be achieved by working closely with our public sector partners. Residents, visitors and businesses have benefited thanks to our collaboration with Powys Teaching Health Board on the transport interchange project."

Hayley Thomas, director of planning and performance with Powys Teaching Health Board said: “This has been a vital step forward for travel and transport in Llandrindod Wells. As well as providing a vital transport interchange for the town, it has helped us to continue to improve access and parking for patients, visitors and staff using Llandrindod Wells Memorial Hospital.”