The new bus 'hub' in Sittingbourne is due to open next week – three weeks later than planned.

Bus operators will be able to use the stops next to The Forum shopping centre, on St Michael's Road, on Monday.

The 'hub', which will be the central pick-up and drop-off point for bus services in and out of the town centre, was initially meant to open on Monday, October 14, but it was delayed at the last minute because "complications" including the weather meant the work required for the opening wasn't completed on time.

It is part of the £57 million town centre regeneration project, which includes restaurants, an eight-screen cinema and a 63-bedroom Travelodge hotel.

The consortium behind Spirit of Sittingbourne is now urging pedestrians to "take additional care", as roads which have been mostly unused during the construction period will now be active bus routes.

It is also encouraging people to use the designated crossings to cross the road safely.

A Spirit spokesman said: "The work required for the opening of the bus area on St Michael’s Road is almost complete and we will be opening the area on Monday, November 4.

“The redeveloped facility will form a central area from which residents and visitors can use public transport in and out of the town.

“Being a short walk from the train station, town centre and The Forum shopping centre, makes this the ideal location for those commuters taking advantage of the fantastic transport links the bus operators provide.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused during the construction of the new facility and look forward to it opening on November 4."

He added that any questions about the bus area itself could be sent to Spirit at info@spiritofsittingbourne.com, while questions regarding a specific bus service should be dealt with by contacting the operator directly.

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