Just like with buses, you wait ten years for bus shelters and two are opened in Helston on the same day.

As with anything do with public transport, of course, there have been delays. Last Wednesday’s opening had been put back from last October, due to problems with calculations by those installing the shelters into Coinagehall Street. 

There were only smiles though from those attending the official launch ceremony, which was particularly sweet for one town resident.

Ivan Perry has been campaigning for bus shelters in that street for the last ten years and now he has seen that dream become a reality.

The reward for his efforts was the invitation to cut the “opening” ribbon, made especially for the occasion by town councillor Martine Knight and featuring images of different buses in the town through the decades.

Both Mr Perry and Mrs Knight, who is also chair of the town council’s amenities committee, read a few words at the ceremony, which a member of Helston Town Band also attended.

Speaking after the opening, mayor Mike Thomas said: “Many people in Helston often requested that shelters be built for those waiting for buses at the main stops in Coinagehall Street. The opening of these shelters is the culmination of many hours of committee work by numerous Helston Town Councillors going back decades.”

He said the council had been in discussion with Cornwall Council’s conservation department for “many years” to try and agree a design that would be appropriate in the town centre conservation area. 

“Those involved with this project were sure that there was once a bus shelter close to the former Woolworths shop front. However, they could not locate any photographic evidence to prove this. 

“Eventually, some time ago, Cornwall Council came to an agreement with us about the design of the new shelters. Once funding was secured the work was commissioned,” he added.

“The town council hopes that the shelters will provide protection from the weather for visitors and residents of Helston for many years to come. I am grateful to Cllr Knight, and the town clerk Chris Dawson, for moving this project to completion.”