Residents of Botesdale are to at long last have a bus shelter to protect them from the elements.The shelter is to be built on land just off The Street which used to be part of the Simonds coach depot after Anglia Secure Homes, the company which has transformed the site into a prestigious new homes development, donated the land to Botesdale Parish Council.

Residents of Botesdale are to at long last have a bus shelter to protect them from the elements.

The shelter is to be built on land just off The Street which used to be part of the Simonds coach depot after Anglia Secure Homes, the company which has transformed the site into a prestigious new homes development, donated the land to Botesdale Parish Council.

Parish clerk, Hilary Butler, welcomed the gesture and said the shelter would fulfil a need highlighted by residents in a village appraisal carried out in 2001.

“Botesdale has never had a bus shelter and this particular bus stop is probably the most popular in the village, so the location is ideal. The problem we've always had is finding a piece of land on which to build a shelter,” said Mrs Butler.

“When Anglia Secure Homes offered us the land, it was the answer to our prayers because it is an issue which has stumped us for many years.”

The metal framed, cantilever-style shelter will be erected and paid for by Suffolk Country Council with a financial contribution from the parish council. Subject to planning details being resolved, the shelter should be in place by the summer.

Mrs Bulter said it was not the first time Anglia Secure Homes' development had benefited the village. “The company also made a major contribution to the new children's play equipment at the recreation ground opposite Chapel Lane,” she added.

Anglia Secure Homes Director, Paul Edmondson, said: “Botesdale is a lovely village and we are very pleased to have been able to bring these additional benefits in addition to re-developing the Simonds coach depot.”

The site now comprises 11 retirement cottages called Oswald Mews as well as general housing, including four stunningly renovated cottages whose origins date back to the 17th century.