COUNCIL bosses have promised to act if bus drivers leave their engines running while parked at Northwich bus station.

The issue was raised by Whitegate resident Stuart Hogg, who told the Chronicle: 'If you want to avoid a lung full of diesel fumes complete with carcinogenic particulates, steer clear of Northwich bus station.

'In spite of the notice in each bus shelter stating that bus drivers have been asked to switch off their engines when standing, the opposite appears to be the case with diesel fumes spewing from the exhausts while drivers sit in their seats or stand chatting on the pavement outside.

'When I queried this with the man in the information kiosk, he said there was no more they could do beyond putting up the signs and asking drivers to comply.'

He said the authority should take action and wrote to Vale Royal Borough Council, which said that while the bus terminus 'had been a source of concern' and monitoring had previously indicated problems with idling buses, it wasn't a significant problem at present.

A spokeswoman for Cheshire County Council said: 'We have received a complaint about buses parked with their engines running and this was resolved some time ago.

'Any concerns can be raised on site by speaking to the bus inspector, or by calling the county council on 01244 603470.

'Our Transport Coordination Service would regard such an issue as a breach of health and safety legislation and would raise it urgently with the operator concerned.' DEVASTATION: Bob and Carolyn Williams had to evacuate their pub after a barn next door caught fire. RS150805FIRE-003