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Plans to restore Hamstead Marshall bus shelter to community hub under way




Two residents are working to repair a dilapidated bus shelter by the summer.

Chris Moss and Paul Hansen, from Hamstead Marshall, have already added struts and other reinforcements to support the collapsing bus stop on Ash Tree Corner.

But they now have bigger plans to restore the shelter as a vital transport link and community space – and have council backing to do it.

The current bus shelter on Ash Tree Corner, in Hamstead Marshall. Credit: Chris Moss
The current bus shelter on Ash Tree Corner, in Hamstead Marshall. Credit: Chris Moss

Mr Moss said: “We ended up putting a steal beam up at the front and then some more posting.

“However, it was only temporary. When you looked at it, you could see the base of it was rotten and it’s got quite a heavy roof on it.”

The shelter – which has stood at the crossroads for decades – is crucial to residents getting around, as Mr Moss explains.

“Buses are essential for the future,” he added. “If you’re young and you pass your driving test, it’s great.

“But then you’ve got thousands of pounds of insurance to deal with. You could catch a cab into Newbury, but that’s about £18.

“And if you’re senior and on a pension, £40 to Newbury and back is a lot of money.

“We think of it as just for us. But all of those people in Newbury who want to go out walking for the day; you can catch the bus straight to Hamstead Marshall, and there’s a beautiful circular walk all the way through Hamstead Park.”

The shelter has been in a bad state of repair for years. Credit: Chris Moss
The shelter has been in a bad state of repair for years. Credit: Chris Moss

Various additional functions have been proposed for the shelter including a defibrillator, plant exchange, a free mini-library, solar panels and local history and information boards.

Hamstead Marshall Parish Council has received a £4,200 grant from the Members Bids applications to cover the cost of materials for rebuilding the shelter.

Parish council chair Anne Budd said: “We have worked with West Berkshire Council's highways team, who were extremely helpful. It was a team effort.

“We will also use the CIL [community infrastructure levy] funding which we received in 2023 to augment the total costs for all materials.

“District councillors Denise Gaines, Dennis Benneyworth and Tony Vickers were the influencers and decision makers.

“However, the new bus stop would not be possible without Paul and Chris.

The pair plan to restore the shelter as a vital community hub. Credit: Chris Moss
The pair plan to restore the shelter as a vital community hub. Credit: Chris Moss

“They have helped to keep the shelter upright and safe for travelling parishioners.

“There is still a great deal of background work to be planned.”

The pair plan to start building the new shelter at their workshop over the next couple of months.

Weather permitting, they plan to install the new shelter by May once all planning details have been approved.

They will also need to arrange the disposal of the old shelter.

Anyone interested in donating funds and resources or removing the old shelter should contact mirek.gosney@newburynews.co.uk



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