PLANS for a new bus station in Nelson have been identified as a "first priority" in a new report.

Work on the new town centre project could begin in spring 2005 and be completed by 2006, according to a report to Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for transport and highways, Coun Jean Yeates.

Lancashire County Council's external overview and scrutiny committee public transport working group recommended that a new Nelson Interchange should be given top priority in the multi-million pound scheme for developing the county's transport system. The scheme, set up as part of the county council's local transport plan for 2001-2006, has already created new bus stations in Burnley, Clitheroe and Lancaster which have won awards for high standards.

The county council has identified a site for the new eight-stand station in Nelson, but Coun Yeates said the exact location could not be revealed until commercial negotiations had been completed.

The report described the present bus station as unpopular with the public and presenting "a sub-standard and unwelcoming environment".

It states: "A site has been identified which will allow for the construction of a very high quality eight-stand bus station with good access to the town centre and the railway station."

The estimated cost of the bus station is £4.5million, and the report states that Pendle Borough Council is "likely" to be able to contribute £1million to the total.

If the scheme is given the go-ahead, negotiations will also be held with rail bosses to discuss possible improvements at the railway station.

Coun Yeates, who visited Nelson last month to look at possible sites, said: "We won't be announcing the site until the negotiations are done, but I think a new bus station is crucial for Nelson, as is a series across East Lancashire.

"If the area is to be regenerated, transport links to Preston, Manchester and the rest of East Lancashire are vital and so new bus stations in Nelson and Rawtenstall are urgent."