WORK will begin on Preston's second park and ride scheme in March in a bid to reduce the chronic rush hour congestion.

South Ribble Borough Council has confirmed a new terminal for the scheme will be sited near the Capitol Centre, in Walton-le-Dale.

Buses would then ferry commuters into the town centre via London Road, a notorious traffic jam blackspot. The service should be up and running within a year, and, it is hoped, will be as successful as the town's first park and ride scheme on Preston docklands.

The Dockland's scheme is already popular, with many users being forced to park on neighbouring streets because the car park is full. The new service, running from the south side of town, will be aimed at shoppers and workers.

The issue was discussed at Monday's meeting of the council's Bamber Bridge area committee on Monday.

A spokesman said: "The County Council has now secured full funding for a Park and Ride scheme based at the Capitol Centre with a shuttle bus service into Preston.

"It has taken a while to complete all the legal processes, but work on creating the site will begin in March or April, and hopefully will be completed within 12 months."

South Ribble Borough Council had planned to create a park and ride base on the site of allotments in Penwortham, but the plan was thrown out by inspectors.

Residents at Monday's meeting also asked for improved bus services to and from Walton Park, near Lostock Hall.

The council spokesman promised to look into the issue, adding: "Generally, bus routes depend on the local bus companies. They make a commercial decision. We will contact both Stagecoach and Fishwicks to see if they feel a service to Walton Park would be viable."

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