INFORMATION is being sought on the history of Felixstowe's bus station, which is currently being demolished.

INFORMATION is being sought on the history of Felixstowe's bus station, which is currently being demolished.

Martyn Hunt, chairman of the Ipswich and District Historical Transport Society, is researching the landmark, branded by some people as the ugliest building at the resort and one of the worst in Suffolk.

“I know a lot of people will be glad to see it go but it has been a landmark and an important part of the history of transport in our area,” said Mr Hunt.

“I have been able to gather a few details about its history but really would like to find out more and would love to hear from anyone with memories or information about the building and its operation, especially the exact date the garage was built.”

Back in 1922 buses ran from the Ordnance Hotel opposite where the bus station stands.

In 1927, a garage and passenger shelter were built with services run by Eastern Counties.

Then in 1967 more land in Langer Road was acquired and a rear extension to the garage and bus station was created to enable vehicles to exit from rear of garage - instead of reversing off the Ordnance roundabout.

The bus station closed in 1994 and has been used since as a storage site for old buses awaiting disposal.

The building is being torn down to make way for a multi-million pound new 1,400 sq metre Lidl supermarket plus car park.

As well as the bus depot, a former newsagents and chip shop next door are both also being razed, and the development site will include Suffolk Coastal's old reporting depot and storage area at the rear.

Lidl hopes to start work on its store - expected to create 25 new jobs - in the summer.

Anyone who can help Mr Hunt should contact him on 01473 422145 or via e-mail hunt.martyn@googlemail.com