WORK to revamp Stourbridge bus station is set to start in Spring 2009 - nearly three years after plans were announced.

The scheme to redevelop the shabby town centre terminal stalled in December 2007 when members of Dudley's Development Control Committee raised concerns over a lack of public toilet provision in the designs.

Planners have now accepted revised proposals which include three toilets on the Foster Street site, meaning the long-awaited £2m revamp can go ahead.

The scheme, first announced in July 2006, will include a new building in the centre of the development which will house passenger information services, a shop, and offices for staff.

The station's new layout will retain the existing 11 stops, which will be redesigned to improve passenger safety with new bus stands and designated pedestrian crossings.

A spokesperson for station operators Centro, said: "We want to provide the best services possible for passengers and a better environment to help encourage more people to use the bus as an alternative to the car."

Stourbridge Cllr Malcolm Knowles, Dudley cabinet member for regeneration, said: "It's good news and Stourbridge needs every little bit of good news it can get.

"Hopefully a lot of people who don't regularly use a bus would consider it if we get looked after well."

Centro say now the scheme has been agreed, engineers and contractors will be able to get started on detailed designs.