SANDY is to get the first bus shelter in the county with computer technology. The bus shelter in Sandy Market Square will mark the end of a year-long campaign to get a larger shelter for travellers. Ever since the Sandy enhancement scheme was completed la

SANDY is to get the first bus shelter in the county with computer technology.

The bus shelter in Sandy Market Square will mark the end of a year-long campaign to get a larger shelter for travellers.

Ever since the Sandy enhancement scheme was completed last year a war of words has raged between the Biggleswade and District Pensioners' Association chairman Ken Lynch, Sandy Town Council, Mid Beds District Council and Bedfordshire County Council.

Sandy resident Mr Lynch has campaigned vigorously for a larger and better bus shelter saying the current one does not offer enough protection in bad weather for travellers waiting for buses.

Now the cost of the new shelter, believed to be around £5,500 which will be paid by the three councils, will include a computer screen giving travellers up-to-date information on bus services.

It is hoped the new shelter will be in place within the next eight weeks and the old one will be moved to the pavement outside Allison House residential home on Bedford Road.

"The new shelter will be the first in the county to be equipped with real time technology," said Sandy Town Council clerk Trevor Stewart.

"It will have the same screens as people see on rail platforms to inform them of the latest travel information. The shelter has been ordered but we have to get everything in place to make sure we get the cabling in at the same time and all the computer technology is with the contractors.

"We see no reason why the new shelter won't be up and running within the next eight weeks which should be in plenty of time before the bad winter weather arrives."

Mr Lynch said: "We are delighted to have won this battle. It has been a long battle but we were determined to win.

"Hundreds of people supported our petition for a new shelter and the councils listened to us in the end and I am sure our supporters will be pleased with the news.

"It will make waiting for buses far more comfortable in bad weather. In the past travellers just got soaking wet in bad weather waiting for buses. Journeys were uncomfortable.