Great Western Coffee Shop

Bus stations in Salisbury and Amesbury are to close as part of a cost-cutting measure by operator Wilts and Dorset Bus Company.

The firm said the cost of maintaining the ageing buildings can be better spent on bus services, and both will be sold for redevelopment.

Operational director Ed Wills said existing services would not be affected by the closures.

He said less than 12% of passengers use the station in Salisbury city centre.

"We would rather preserve jobs and services than spend a fortune upgrading facilities that are being used by only a small number of our customers," he said.

Following the closures, existing bus stops will be used and new office accommodation will be found for staff.

No staff are based at Amesbury and the fleet of 100 single and double decker buses will continue to be parked at the Castle Street depot in Salisbury.

Wilts and Dorset said providing land purchases are agreed, the firm expects to vacate both bus stations by summer 2013.