BURNLEY'S new £3million town centre bus station was officially opened yesterday -- as building contractors completed work with just seconds to spare.

The futuristic glass structure off Croft Street was opened by Professor David Begg, chairman of the Independent Commission for Integrated Transport, and the Mayor of Burnley, Councillor Gordon Birtwistle.

Mr Begg likened the bus station to an airport and said it was a 'splendid example of transport in this country'.

He said: "We are not known to have a good transport system in Britain and we have suffered a lot of train delays recently so it is really good to be associated with a success story like this."

Leader of Burnley Council, Councillor Stuart Caddy, said: "We are very excited about the new bus station for Burnley and hope it will herald a bright future for faster and more efficient public transport in our town.

"We have already received a number of complimentary comments about the new bus station from members of the public.

"All the services from buses, coaches, rail and taxis will be brought far closer together and enhanced specialist services for those with mobility difficulties, such as Dial-a-Ride and Shopmobility, will also be provided."

He also revealed that Strzala Associates Architects of Manchester, who designed the bus station, would also be working on designs for the proposed revamp of the Central Station.

The new bus station was funded through a partnership between Burnley and Lancashire County Council, which contributed £1.8m towards the scheme. Additional funding was provided from the European Regional Development Fund, the Single Regeneration Budget and funding from the Sainsburys and Tesco developments in the town.

Although there were initial problems, including several destinations spelt incorrectly -- such as Hampton, Worsthore and Pandleside -- the opening went smoothly and the mistakes have been corrected.

Coun Caddy said: "The bus station is something we in Burnley are proud of and it is a tremendous asset to the town. It was late being completed but it's here now and that's what the people of Burnley like to see.

"We are hoping it will bring people in to the town."

The bus station includes 18 departure bays with automatic doors, electronic passenger departure information, travel and tourist office, caf, newsagent, toilets and baby changing facilities, CCTV, cycle racks and a taxi rank.

Burnley and Pendle Transport Limited, part of the Blazefield Holdings Group, is the major bus operator from the new station.

They have made significant investment in the shape of new buses including 25 easy access, single deck, low-floored vehicles for the Mainline Quality Bus Route.

The interchange was constructed by John Turner and Sons Ltd of Preston.