The waiting room at Oakham Bus Station will temporarily close from today (Sat May 23).

Rutland County Council says local bus operators have been running reduced services due to a sharp drop in passenger numbers, prompted by national COVID-19 guidance advising people to stay at home and avoid using public transport.

But with an increase in services and passenger numbers expected as COVID-19 restrictions are eased, the waiting room at Oakham Bus station is to close until further notice in order to support social distancing.

Coun Lucy Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Transport said: "Given the significant reduction in local bus services and passenger numbers over the past two months, there has been very little use of the waiting area at Oakham Bus Station.

"As a result, social distancing has not been an issue.

"Some COVID-19 restrictions are now being eased," Coun Stephenson continued.

"However, social distancing rules are likely to remain a feature of our daily lives for some time.

"As and when more passengers return to public transport, it will become increasingly difficult to maintain social distancing within the confines of the waiting room.

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"We're therefore closing this area and putting measures in place to help people follow social distancing rules outside, while they wait."