“If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”

This is what one user of Bracknell’s bus station had to say over controversial plans to demolish the transport hub and replace it with new housing.

The masterplans, set to be approved tonight (October 15), will see parts of Bracknell town centre transformed with nearly 1,000 new flats, new office spaces and shops, as part of the council’s ongoing regeneration scheme.

But the potential removal of the current bus station, which acts as an essential transport hub for the town, has proved unpopular with residents.

Bracknell News readers have shared their thoughts on the plans.

Natalie Alexander said: “I use it every day for work as it’s my only form of transport. It’s absolutely ludicrous to get rid of it.”

Karen Alsop, who uses the bus at least twice a week, agreed that not having the buses in a centralised location would be ‘devastating’.

Another commenter Trish Deakin called the idea ‘dreadful’, arguing that ‘it provides good links to the station and is accessible’.

She said spreading the bus stops around would ‘make life much more difficult for the vulnerable, like the elderly, to access the services’.

Ian Way agreed said: “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it! It’s an important transport interchange hub.”

But others pointed out that there will still be the same bus services provided in the area, just under a new system.

Christine Haswell said: “Yes, I use it [the bus station]. However, if it’s clear where the new stops are then whether the station goes is not as important. The bus service is the key, not the stands.”

During the consultation period with the council, bus users said they were worried the lack of a central hub would make travel less accessible.

The ‘most common objection received’ by the council over the whole regeneration plan related to the bus station.

The council have ensured residents that the same bus services will be available through an ‘attractive and accessible’ bus system.

Bracknell Forest Council said the functions of the existing bus station would be retained, including driver facilities and enhanced bus stops with seating and shelters.

The current bus stop would be relocated in a circuit around the edges of the new square making it easily accessible to residents, according to the council.

It also promised an increase in bus stops, routes and bays, and said the bus station would not be demolished until new arrangements were in place.

Members of the cabinet will vote on the plan tonight (Tuesday, October 15).