DIGGERS and cranes have razed buildings along Newport Street to the ground to make way for the new £48million Bolton Interchange.

Workers have been on site since last week, painstakingly knocking down the old shop units so the new bus station can be built.

The interchange project has been developed by a partnership between Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Bolton Council.

When finished, the new station will be linked to the train station in Trinity Street with an enclosed footbridge.

It will also include a cycle hub as part of a Greater Manchester-wide cycling init-iative.

Cllr David Chadwick said it was “absolutely brilliant” to see the plans becoming reality.

“To have the buses and trains stopping in one location will be very helpful, and we’re working with the bus operators to bring as many services into the station as possible.

“The council has been working very hard to get investment into the town centre and fingers crossed, it’s all coming together.”

Cllr Andrew Fender, chair of the TfGM committee, said demolition work will not be complete until the new year.

He added: “The interchange project will provide better links, as well as improved waiting areas and passenger facilities.”