PLANS for a £2.5m transport interchange in Hartlepool will be put in the spotlight later this week to allow residents the chance to have their say about the proposals.

The interchange scheme aims to reduce dependence on the car by making public transport more attractive, accessible and convenient.

It will connect train, bus, coach and taxi services in one central location and improve public transport links to recent developments within the town's marina.

Land on the eastern side of the Marina Gateway Bridge, next to the railway station, is earmarked for the new development.

Features of the interchange will include a new junction on Church Street, offering access to the interchange for buses and coaches only, secure long and short-stay car parking and improvements to the railway station.

Design work is being undertaken by engineering consultants Arup and it is hoped that the interchange will be brought into operation by the end of next year.

The scheme already has the support of all the major transport operators and the project is being funded by Hartlepool Borough Council's Local Transport Plan budget.

Project coordinator Ian Jopling said: "The project is a big step towards achieving the council's aim of creating an integrated public transport system that is attractive, safe, efficient, accessible to all, and easy to understand and use.

"It is important that people have a chance to air their views so we can try to ensure the interchange fully meets the needs of the travelling public."

The plans will be displayed in the town's Middleton Grange shopping centre on Thursday and Friday, from 10.30am to 5.30pm.

Smaller displays are also located at the town's railway station, the Tourist Information Centre in Church Square, Shopmobility in the shopping centre and the Central Library.

Council officials are also consulting with Railtrack, Arriva Trains Northern, bus operators, the emergency services, taxi firms, public transport user groups and the Hartlepool Access Group.

All information gathered will be summarised into a consultation report to be included as part of a formal planning application, which is expected to be submitted at the end of February.