THEY might be a bit big to fit in most stockings but the council is offering to give away five spare bus shelters by Christmas.

They are currently located at the former Chester Bus Exchange at Princess Street but the site is set to become a new public square as part of the Chester Northgate development.

Cheshire West and Chester Council would like to hear from any local community group or organisation who might be able to use a shelter and would like to be considered for one.

There will be no charge to organisations as long as they have a suitable space with appropriate hard standing, details can be found on the Expression of Interest form available online. The shelters will be awarded to projects offering the maximum benefit to their local community in the borough.

Chester and District Standard:

Lisa Harris, Director of Place Strategy at the council, said: “We have had a few requests for the old bus shelters so the fairest option is to consider all requests together.”

“We are eager to prepare the site for the start of construction therefore we are keen to hear from groups by December 15 so that we can find new uses for the shelters.”

Five shelters are suitable for removal and reuse; unfortunately it is not structurally possible to reuse the other shelters therefore they will be demolished in the new year.

The shelters will be transported free of charge but installation is the responsibility of the organisation receiving them.

Local Community groups are invited to complete an Expression of Interest form at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/BusShelters/ closing date of December 15.

For further information email: busstopinfrastructure@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk