WORK on Lancaster's prestigious new bus station will finally start next week.

The ambitious development on Damside Street is just one part of a £2 million package of public transport improvements earmarked for the district.

Transport bosses have set aside a further £384,000 to finance the new bus station and a contract for its construction is currently out to tender and will be awarded in May.

A further £1.8 million will be used to fund a priority bus scheme between the university and Morecambe plus a number of other public transport measures including improved bus shelters, easy-to-use buses and better routes and timetables. Preparatory work around the city has already started and Damside Street has been cordoned off so that contractors can move on site next week, April 25.

Bus routes around the city have been re-routed and are expected to stay that way until the station is completed in December.

All services will be revised to operate from the stops in the city centre on King Street, Common Garden Street, Brock Street, Spring Garden Street and George Street.

The County Council and Stagecoach information centres will be relocated to King's Arcade and they have full details of all the changes.

A council spokesman said: "The current station site is about 70 years old and badly in need of redevelopment. The new station will be the centrepiece of a whole new public transport package and will be a fitting development for the city. We apologise for any inconvenience while the construction work is under way but we estimate it will take approximately eight months."