NEGOTIATIONS are finally taking place between Kingfisher Centre bosses and a Redditch bus company over the use of a major transport interchange, due to open in just a month.

The news follows months of uncertainty as to whether Pete's Travel, which operates a number of popular routes in the town, would be using the new £20 million bus station.

Rival firm First Midland Red has had a licence to operate from the new station for months, but Pete's Travel bosses initially said they might not use the station because of serious reservations.

In April the Advertiser revealed concerns from Pete's Travel, including how it would function and the kerb heights not being suitable for low floor buses.

However, a spokesman for centre owner Thornfield said: "Since those concerns we had heard Pete's Travel were keen to use the station but had made no contact with us about a licence.

"We wrote to them but heard nothing back."

However, the spokesman announced last week that Pete's Travel had since been in contact.

He said: "We are in discussions with Pete's Travel now about a licence to operate from the new transport interchange.

"They cannot operate without one."

The four-storey bus station development, which includes shops, an indoor food hall and a fitness suite, is due to open on Monday, September 16.