Liskeard’s former Cattle Market could be the location for a new bus station for the town.

The matter of buses was the topic of discussion at a recent meeting of Liskeard Town Forum, prompted by a recent accident in Barn Street where a double decker bus damaged the frontage of a shop.

Councillor Nick Craker said that Liskeard is a central point for buses going off to a number of catchment areas.

“There are lots of bus movements, but the bus stops in the town centre are too small for modern buses – the stops on Barras Street were built for a time when the vehicles were much smaller,” said Cllr Craker.

“This often leads to buses overhanging into the road or double parking, causing congestion during busy periods.”

Liskeard Town Council is currrently involved in putting together an Active Travel Plan with consultants Sustrans: the £50,000 project will identify walking and cycle routes, and improve public transport infrastructure.

As part of this project, the Council has asked Sustrans to consider how the bus drop-off points could be improved.

“One of the top suggestions that has the support of the bus operator is to create a new bus station in Liskeard and take the pressure off this busy road,” said Cllr Craker.

“We are considering sites that have a good location in the town centre and good access for buses to connect back to the highway. The Cattle Market has been mooted as one possible location but there are no plans at this stage. There is a clear problem, and Councillors are trying to do something about it.”

Cllr Craker added that he believed a modern bus station could attract footfall to the town centre.