A forces veteran has set up a petition to save a bus station building used a teen hangout in Morecambe which is slated for demolition.

Christopher Soden wants to repurpose the Central Drive bus station waiting room into a hub for veterans and their dogs.

Christopher Soden said in his petition: “In the heart of Morecambe lies a brick building with untapped potential, waiting to serve our community in a way that benefits all.

"The former bus station waiting room building on Central Drive is currently slated for demolition by Lancaster City Council at taxpayers' expense, despite the presence of a viable, self-sustaining, community-driven alternative.

Lancaster City Council want to demolish the Central Drive bus station waiting room in Morecambe which was being used as a teen hang out.

placeholder image — Lancaster City Council want to demolish the Central Drive bus station waiting room in Morecambe which was being used as a teen hang out.

“As a dedicated member of this community and a forces veteran, I have personally encountered a relentless barrage of bureaucratic red-tape in my quest to secure a space where our veterans can find camaraderie, support, and purpose once more.

"This lockable metal structure has the potential to become an immediate lifeline — a dedicated frontline hub for veteran crisis support alongside a free canine training, public safety handling, and raw nutrition centre.

“The proposed demolition completely disregards the pressing need for local community spaces that provide practical assistance, companionship, and belonging to our veterans and their families.

“Consider the financial implications too; the estimated cost of tearing down this structure does not just strain our local budget, it represents a completely lost opportunity to transform an existing site into a beacon of community spirit and resilience.

“Furthermore, demolition means weeks of heavy machinery, waste skips, and yet more frustrating roadworks and traffic gridlock on Central Drive—something Morecambe residents have had more than enough of.

“Because the building already features fixed electrical wiring and three toilets, we can install our free community advisory desks, and non-profit raw food loops immediately—without the need for costly new builds, taxpayer funding, or lengthy planning processes.

“Sign this petition to save the Central Drive waiting room building.”

Sign the petition at https://www.change.org/p/save-the-central-drive-waiting-room-turn-a-liability-into-a-free-veteran-canine-hub?

Councillors at a meeting of the planning committee on September 1 are expected to give prior approval for demolition of the building after council officers recommended the plans be granted.