THE planned demolition of a Yorkshire stone bus shelter and replacement with a modern plastic version has been greeted with dismay and disbelief by some Baildon residents.

Travellers catching buses to Shipley or Bradford from Otley Road have successfully been shielded from the elements by the large stone shelter which has windows at either end to give clear views up and down the street.

However, notification that the shelter will be replaced imminently has now been posted on one of its walls by West Yorkshire transport authority Metro.

And regular bus users like pensioner Jean Pearson, of Dewhirst Close, are bewildered by the sudden decision.

“It’s a beautiful, deep bus shelter made of Yorkshire Stone and in keeping with the area.

“ I’m horrified – what are Metro thinking of? said Mrs Pearson, 68.

“If they’ve got money to burn, why don’t they give us a few more buses or build a shelter over the road, where there’s just a bus stop?

“It’s nonsense!” Mrs Pearson said.

Baildon town councillor Marian Taylor said she had received several similar comments from residents in her ward about the shelter opposite St John’s Court, Charlestown

“Speaking for myself, Metro say it is due for replacement because of seating and visibility, but really it just needs surrounding bushes cutting back and some painting and maintenance,” said Cllr Taylor, who stressed she was not speaking on behalf of the town council.

“It’s an attractive shelter and people have said replacing it would be a waste of money,” she said.

Bradford district councillor Debbie Davies said she was in favour of restoration as were many local people.

She said: “I much prefer stone to plastic and with a bit of tender loving care and it would look much better.

“ And there are plenty of other places in Baildon where people would love a new bus shelter,” Cllr Davies said.

A spokesman for Metro said:“Passengers welcome modern, well-lit shelters which provide high visibility, and this shelter, now in need of repair, does not meet with those high standards.

“We are asking local people to comment by Wednesday, July 2 so we can gauge local opinion before we consider the next stage.”