A TOWN centre bus station has been given community asset status to safeguard its continued use as a transport hub.

The Gloucestershire Council- owned Lydney site was orginally listed in 2013 after the town council applied for it to be declared an asset of community value.

But its status lapsed in February, prompting the town council to reapply, which has now been granted.

That means the community has the opportunity to ensure the site remains in public use, in the event of the owner trying to sell it off. Lydney Dial-a-Ride and Community Transport lease part of the site, which is also a drop off/pick up point for regular bus services.

Neither they or the owners Gloucestershire Council responded to the new application to relist the station, which was approved by the Forest Council.

A Forest Council report said: “The bus station provides an off-street bus stop area and as such its current use furthers the social wellbeing of the community.”