SOUTHEND bus station could be extended into the Tylers Avenue car park to encourage more people to use buses.

Anna Waite, councillor responsible for planning and transport, said Southend Council had always intended to extend the £2 million travel centre, and the car park could be an option in years to come.

She said: "That was only ever to be phase one. We are looking for a phase two, but not in the immediate future.

"I think what we've got to do is sit back and see what we want. When we've assessed where we are and where we're going, we can come up with the best way to achieve what we need."

A consultation would be carried out with bus users before any decision to expand the travel centre was made.

Mrs Waite said the idea was to get more people to use buses and offer a better service, which could feature a range of options, including cycle storage and lockers to allow people to shop during the day and not have to walk around with their bags.

Howard Marks, of South-end Area Bus Users' Group, said the bus station had been dogged with problems since it opened in July 2006, including a lack of seating and adequate timetable displays.

However, he said an expansion into the Tylers Avenue car park could be a positive step.

Mr Marks said: "I think it makes sense, but are they going to lose the money coming from the car park there."