THE official opening of a refurbished Wilts & Dorset bus station at Lymington has been overshadowed by the threat of strike action by the majority of the company's employees.

Yesterday, the new bus station was opened during a champagne reception by Hampshire county councillor Tim Knight.

The ceremony was attended by Mayor of Lymington Councillor Jane Clarke and her deputy, Councillor Elisabeth Lewis, senior representatives of Wilts & Dorset, and representatives of Hampshire County Council and New Forest Council.

The bus station has undergone a rebuild and redesign, with improved layout and facilities for staff and passengers including new toilets, a disabled toilet, a new enquiries office, manager's office, rest room and canteen for the drivers, plus a new digital clock.

The opening of the new bus station comes as some staff at the company ballot for strike action.

Members of the RMT union claimed the company had refused to meet its obligations to deal with a deficit in the pension scheme.

RMT regional organiser Phil Bialyk said 92 per cent of employees have voted in favour of strike action.

Mr Bialyk says the union will now contemplate what action to take.

"No decision has yet been reached," he said.

"I shall be talking to the managing director, Mr Hugh Malone, in the next 24 hours and will have more to report following that meeting."

Wilts and Dorset district manager (south), Paul Hartigan, declined to comment.