WORKMEN have had to dig up a newly resurfaced road next to the bus station to carry out emergency sewer repairs.

When a property in Wood Street was flooded an investigation by city engineers discovered that a sewer had collapsed.

Environmental Engineer, Ken Brownsord, has had a look at the damaged sewer but says he is unable to offer an explanation for the collapse.

It is not thought the sewer problems will affect the newly-built bus station.

Most of the exterior work on the £1.6m structure is now complete and bus trials to ensure everything is in working order have already been carried out.

The interior work is expected to be completed in time for the station opening in mid March.

The new look station boasts 20 bus stands, indoor waiting areas, seating and refreshment facilities, toilets, a travel shop, County Information Centre, staff accommodation as well as a brand new taxi rank.

Chief planning officer, Mr Vic Crumley, described the development as a significant contribution to improving public transport.

He added: "The building is very close to completion now. All the major outside work has been completed and the finishing touches are all being applied. The aim for this bus station has been to provide Lancaster and district with a superb public transport facility and we are very much looking forward to introducing a station for the 21st century that brings all the bus services into one modern central location."