SAFETY and comfort will be at the core of a £180,000 improvement package to benefit passengers using Bury Interchange.

The work, to be completed by the late summer, is aimed at making the bus station more user-friendly.

They include the installation of barriers and illuminated studs at pedestrian crossing points to enhance passenger safety; a seated passenger waiting and information area and a review of current queueing arrangements to improve passenger circulation.

These additional improvements will build upon the success of previous major refurbishment works at the interchange. The enhancements have been approved by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority's policy committee.

Councillor Mike Connolly, Bury spokesman for the authority, welcomed the developments, saying: "I am pleased that the interchange continues to be a focus for improvement works.

"The authority has already spent nearly £2 million on the major refurbishment of the interchange over the last few years and the further investment agreed will centre around making things even more safe and comfortable for passengers.

"The barriers at pedestrian crossing points will both enhance passenger safety and lead to better management of bus operations, whilst I know that the illuminated studs for the pedestrian crossing points have improved passenger safety at other public transport waiting facilities in the county."

He added: "The provision of a new refuge and information area also demonstrates the authority's commitment to all groups of passengers. I expect these additions to complement the much-improved passenger facilities already in place."

The refurbishment work undertaken at Bury Interchange between spring 2002 and December 2003 included: improved pedestrian waiting areas; designated pedestrian routes with increased lighting levels; new carriageway crossing points; the upgrade of the interchange entrances to improve their prominence; new signage; new passenger information displays; the refurbishment of the Travelshop; and the relocation of the bus station supervisor's office to a new, more central and prominent location.