A BUS station shelter built as part of a £200,000 revamp is about as much use as a chocolate fireguard, says a local councillor.

Residents have also joined the chorus of criticism aimed at Tadcaster bus station, upgraded with council taxpayers' money as part of the refurbishment of the Britannia car park.

Critics say the state of the art bus shelter looks "very nice" - but waiting passengers risk getting drenched when it is raining.

Tadcaster town councillor Jean Ashton said the "see-through" shelter had only a roof, which was about 10ft high, and no sides.

The only other protection against the elements was a 2ft high wall at the back of the shelter. The bus station and car park makeover cost North Yorkshire County Council £200,000, with a further £30,000 provided by Selby District Council for resurfacing work.

Coun Ashton said: "What a waste of ratepayers' money. I haven't heard a word of praise from anyone in Tadcaster and I'm not surprised.

"This bus shelter is about as much use as a chocolate fireguard. If you sit down inside when it's raining and the wind is in the wrong direction, you get soaked."

Fellow town councillor Don Bain-Mackay dubbed it the "Tadcaster folly".

He said: "It looks very nice but, unfortunately, it does not afford any shelter from the elements.

"Whoever designed it should be made to sit inside on a cold, horrible day and them made to go back to the drawing board."

Ann Clemmit, who lives in Tadcaster, wrote to the Evening Press, saying: "Surely it can't be finished.

"Have the powers that be ever waited for a bus when it's raining and blowing a gale? Heaven help us in winter."

The county council's infrastructure development manager, Catherine Foster, said the "open" design of the shelter was deliberate. She said: "The police advised us against any areas where people could hide following problems with vandalism and drug taking.

"The open design also enables the new CCTV camera to look into the shelter.

"I wasn't aware of any criticism, but after hearing these comments I think we need to have a look at it."

Mrs Foster said the official opening of the revamped bus station and car park would go ahead as planned next month.

Updated: 10:45 Friday, May 16, 2003