Baughurst Parish Council is pleased to announce that our grant application to Hampshire County Council to refurbish eight of the parish’s bus shelters has been successfully approved. This funding allows us to carry out a significant programme of improvements while keeping the cost to local taxpayers to a minimum.

Over the coming months, residents will see a range of upgrades designed to make our shelters safer, brighter, more comfortable, and more welcoming for everyone who uses them.

What’s Being Improved

Thanks to the grant funding, the refurbishment programme will include:

• Solar lighting for six shelters, improving visibility and safety during darker mornings and evenings.
• Replacement of damaged or worn panels at six shelters* restoring weather protection and improving appearance.
• Enhanced seating at seven shelters, offering greater comfort and accessibility for all passengers. This will include a new wooden internal bench for the bus shelter on Heath End Road, and replacement of the outside bench.
• New waste bins where needed, helping to keep the surrounding areas clean and tidy.
• Cleaning and repainting across all shelters, giving them a fresh, well‑maintained look.

These improvements follow a full condition survey of each shelter and are tailored to the needs of each location.

Why This Matters

Our bus shelters are used daily by schoolchildren, commuters, older residents, and those who rely on public transport. M any of the shelters have served the community for years and were beginning to show signs of age. This refurbishment programme will:

• Improve safety and visibility
• Provide more comfortable waiting areas
• Enhance accessibility
• Reduce future maintenance costs
• Improve the appearance of the parish
• Support sustainable travel by making bus use more appealing

A Good Result for the Parish

By securing external funding, the council has been able to deliver a substantial upgrade programme without placing additional pressure on the parish precept. The works will extend the life of each shelter and ensure they remain reliable community assets for years to come.

We will keep residents updated as the refurbishment progresses and look forward to delivering these improvements across the parish.