Forces veteran launches campaign to stop demolition of former Morecambe bus shelter

A campaign has been launched to stop a former bus station waiting room in Morecambe from being demolished.

The shelter on Central Drive is earmarked to be knocked down by Lancaster City Council.

But Morecambe-based group Ubique K-9 Frontline CIC has called for the shelter to be saved and become an Armed Forces veterans crisis support and canine wellbeing hub.

Christopher Soden from Ubique K-9 Frontline CIC has launched an online petition at Change.org to support his aim, after a planning application went in for "prior approval for the demolition of bus station building" on Central Drive.

"In the heart of Morecambe lies a brick building with untapped potential, waiting to serve our community in a way that benefits all," says the petition at Change.org.

"The former bus station waiting room building on Central Drive is currently slated for demolition by Lancaster City Council at taxpayers' expense, despite the presence of a viable, self-sustaining, community-driven alternative.

"As a dedicated member of this community and a forces veteran, I have personally encountered a relentless barrage of bureaucratic red-tape in my quest to secure a space where our veterans can find camaraderie, support, and purpose once more.

"This lockable metal structure has the potential to become an immediate lifeline - a dedicated frontline hub for veteran crisis support alongside a free canine training, public safety handling, and raw nutrition centre.

"The proposed demolition completely disregards the pressing need for local community spaces that provide practical assistance, companionship, and belonging to our veterans and their families.

Christopher Soden

"Consider the financial implications too; the estimated cost of tearing down this structure does not just strain our local budget, it represents a completely lost opportunity to transform an existing site into a beacon of community spirit and resilience.

"Furthermore, demolition means weeks of heavy machinery, waste skips, and yet more frustrating roadworks and traffic gridlock on Central Drive -something Morecambe residents have had more than enough of.

"Our plan asks for a sensible, zero-cost reuse of public resources. By transforming the old waiting room into a multifunctional centre, we can create a unique space that nurtures veteran wellbeing while preserving the community's architectural heritage.

"Because the building already features fixed electrical wiring and three toilets, we can install our free community advisory desks, upcycled olfactory enrichment programs, and non-profit raw food loops immediately—without the need for costly new builds, taxpayer funding, or lengthy planning processes.

"Supporting this cause links directly to broader concerns affecting our society.

"Statistics from the UK Ministry of Defence highlight that there are over two million UK Armed Forces veterans, many of whom face severe challenges and isolation when transitioning back into civilian life. We have the chance right here in Morecambe to create a sovereign sanctuary where they can thrive safely.

"Join us in convincing Lancaster City Council of the absolute value in this vision.

"Let’s halt the wasteful expenditure of our collective funds, protect our roads from further disruption, and instead focus on rebuilding and strengthening community ties, one local building at a time.

"Sign this petition to save the Central Drive waiting room building. Reinforce our community's heart and soul by rallying behind a cause that promises growth, safety, and connection for Morecambe’s veterans and their supportive companions."

The former bus shelter 

Afghanistan veteran Mr Soden announced earlier this month, his aim to open a new hub in Morecambe supporting Forces veterans with PTSD by partnering them with rescue dogs.

He said the dogs will act as teachers and partners, taking veterans through an intensive 28-day course focusing on auxiliary aids and medical assistance tasks, while providing a safe sanctuary for the rescue dogs to decompress and a vocational pathway for their futures.

The planning application, by Lancaster City Council, describes the Central Drive building as "a grey metal clad pyramidal roof with green aluminium clad elevations, steel framed bus station building originally with glazed elements to half of the building".

"But these have been vandalised and removed over the years.

"It had been left empty and susceptible to vandalism and prior approval for demolition was granted in 2017.

"The demolition did not take place and following an application in 2018 the building became an assembly point and recreation building for young people.

"The building has attracted issues in terms of crime and antisocial behavior and is no longer considered a safe space for young to gather."

Mr Soden has also contacted Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, about his campaign.

"Whilst I don't get involved in individual planning decisions, I've urged the council to look at all options fully, especially If there is a viable option for this building to be repurposed for the community," said Ms Collinge.

The demolition of the former bus station will be discussed at a meeting of Lancaster City Council planning regulatory committee on Tuesday September 1. The meeting at Morecambe Town Hall starts at 10.30am and is open to the public.

Council officers have recommended that prior approval for demolition should be granted, although the committee - a cross-party group of elected councillors - will make the final decision. 

Read more: Morecambe Forces veteran on mission to save lives in memory of two soldiers killed in action - Beyond Radio