“USELESS” shelters at Darwen bus station need to be improved before winter, a councillor has urged.

Sudell ward representative Roy Davies has called for an overhaul of provisions at The Circus after a raft of complaints from passengers.

He said travellers are unhappy that shelters are not enclosed and not large enough, forcing elderly people to queue in rain, snow and sleet.

But council officials say they there are no plans to upgrade the shelters.

Coun Davies said: “Buses often come in very close to one another for services to the likes of Pot House and Whitehall, causing queues.

“This isn’t usually a problem during the summer but when winter comes, the shelters are not good enough.

“Most who use the shelters are older and there are foot-high gaps at the top and bottom on the shelters which give very little protection.

“Many people have complained about this problem, but nothing is being done.

“We haven’t got much longer before winter, so it needs to be acted on now.”

Councillor Dave Harling, executive member for regeneration, said: “These stands were improved about five years ago and they are the biggest that could be installed in the space available.

“While we appreciate the queues do get busy at times, they usually accommodate everyone who is waiting.”

Councillor Davies said: “That response doesn’t surprise me. “Councillor Harling needs to come to Darwen and speak to the people who are using the shelters.

“The shelters in Blackburn might not be as fancy as the ones in Darwen, but they’re that big that if you put a fire in them, you could live in them.”