Durham Country Council has opened its new central bus station to the public.

The council said it hoped the new bus station would be a major transport hub for the county and would attract more shoppers and tourists to the area.

A spokeswoman said the design of the exit on to North Road had improved visibility for pedestrians and buses, reports the BBC.

The bus station also has a two-storey office area where council security, neighbourhood wardens, Arriva and Durham Police staff would be based.

Councillor Elizabeth Scott, the council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “Providing high quality facilities, the station will serve as a major transport hub for both the city and the county.

“We hope it will help attract both shoppers and tourists to the city, supporting our independent businesses and our cultural attractions.

“We also hope it will encourage people to make more journeys by bus rather than car, promoting more sustainable travel.”

The new facility is located on the site of the former bus station, which was demolished to make way for the redevelopment.

Work to reinstate the road and footpath outside the building will take place over the coming months.

The council said there would be changes to the times of the Arriva 43 service and routes to Gateshead Central.