PREPARATION work on a new £1m park and ride scheme for Whitefield Metrolink station has been given the green light.

Clearance work will start as soon as possible after transport bosses released £250,000 for the project at a meeting last Friday.

Initial work will also include service diversion, such as water supply, before proper construction work on the facility begins in spring next year.

The park and ride scheme will be next to the tram station in Stanley Road and will have 133 car parking spaces. This includes eight spaces for disabled motorists, eight motorcycle stands, three pedal cycle stands, five cycle lockers, a bus turning area and two passenger waiting shelters.

Coun Mike Connolly, Bury's spokesman for Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority's Policy Committee, said: "Demand for parking at this stop is high and this will go some way to accommodating everybody and cutting down on parking problems in the area.

"We hope it will encourage more people to leave the car at Whitefield and take the tram instead."

Work will also start later this month on new car parks at Besses o'th' Barn station in Whitefield, Crumpsall and Navigation Road with completion expected in spring.