WORK started this week to improve the Portway park and ride scheme in Preston.

The work, which began on Monday (October 28) will affect the Lune Street and Fishergate bus stops.

It includes raised platforms at the drop-off points to improve access for a new fleet of low-floor buses, that will operate on the route from December.

Temporary bus stops will be located opposite the existing ones for a fortnight while the work is completed.

The county council is investing £100,000 into the project, which involves resurfacing and redesign work at the Portway site, off Strand Road. It follows a £4.7million cash injection from Lancashire County Council into the new park and ride scheme at the Capitol Centre, Walton-le-Dale, also due to open in December.

A boarding platform will be created at the Portway site along with waiting facilities and improved passenger information. New disabled spaces will also be marked out.

Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for Highways and Transportation, Councillor Nora Ward, said: "Maintaining high standards of public transport gives people a choice over how they travel and shows people there are viable alternatives to the car. Using the park and ride offers a low cost and easy way to travel and reduces the possible stress of traffic jams or looking for parking spaces."

Managing director of Preston Bus, Peter Bell, said: "In addition to the improvements being carried out by the county council, from the start of December we will be operating brand new low-floor buses making it even easier for people to use the service. We're delighted to have won the contract to operate and manage both park and ride sites and hope to provide the highest levels of service."