BURY people can now jump aboard a key funding bandwagon by coming up with their own novel travel scheme.

They are being asked to put forward their suggestions on how bus services can help serve the community better.

And their input could play an important role in deciding whether a cash application from Bury Council receives the full go-ahead.

Back in 2000, the Government produced Transport 2010, a ten-year plan designed to transform Britain's transport systems.

And, as part of that process, they set aside some £46 million nationally over three years for what they called, the Urban Bus Challenge programme.

Now, Bury Council has been invited to bid for funding by submitting ideas that provide, "innovative and/or unconventional solutions to the problems of public passenger transport provision in urban areas."

Local people are now being given the opportunity to help shape the local authority's bid by coming up with their very own ideas.

Groups of people who live in East Bury, in particular, will be approached to determine their views on the issue.

Bury East Area Board chairman, Councillor Trevor Holt, said: "This is the last bidding round under the Urban Bus Challenge scheme and in order to give Bury's application the strongest possible chance of success, we are inviting ideas from as many people as possible.

"Certainly, we will be contacting community groups in Bury East. We will be asking them the simple question, 'If you were able to introduce a new bus scheme in Bury that would serve the community better, what would it be?'

"It will be interesting to see not only what answers people come up with, but whether or not in the longer term, they actually turn into a reality."

However, ideas are open to the public at large.

If you already believe you have an answer to the question, then send it in writing to Bury East Area Co-ordinator Mike Riley, Acorn House, 150 Willow Street, Bury, BL9 7PS or email m.riley@bury.gov.uk instead.