All trees have been cut down around Crewe's tired bus station and depot - in preparation for a new bus station and multi-storey car park.

Building work was expected to begin this January on Crewe's new bus station and multi-storey car park, with a target completion date of summer 2023.

The work, which is in its final stages of being signed off, could not fully commence until the trees were removed due to the strong roots underneath the current bus station site.

Crewe resident and part-time Marriage Officer for Cheshire East Council, Richard Seamon, told Nub News: "It was a surprise to see the trees gone as I have lived in Crewe for 20 years and they've always been a feature I have taken for granted.

"I appreciate that as mature trees with extensive root systems, they are quite noticeably damaging the surfaces around the bus station, they would have to be removed for the redevelopment.

"That said, I sincerely hope that spaces for trees will be incorporated in the final design."

Planning permission was granted for phase one of the £48 million scheme in September 2021.

Outline permission was also granted for the leisure part of the project, which included six restaurant units, a 16-lane bowling alley, shops and an eight-screen cinema, which Empire is lined up to operate.

Business manager of Beauty Central Salon, Coronation Crescent, told Nub News: "I hope they are planting plenty more to compensate for the loss of trees, but in order for the town to be built I understand the need to remove them." Crewe resident Kyle Edge posted on social media: "One hell of an eyesore now. They're (Cheshire East) always leaving those stumps too." After reconsideration, the planned multi-storey car park had its number of spaces reduced from 411 to 401, to increase the number of electric vehicle charging points from six to 20. The car park will now incorporate a green wall to better reflect the climate emergency the world faces. A new bus interchange redraft included a further accessible toilet in the bus station. Last year, planning permission was granted for the demolition of the bus depot. Now the trees have been cut down, it is hoped from that the construction work from Peveril Securities on behalf of Cheshire East Council - can take place imminently. In case you missed it: Regeneration chiefs pledge to deliver for Crewe as 10 Towns Fund projects go on show. [I] Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Crewe Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town. Please consider following Crewe Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.