PASSENGERS at busy Bury Interchange have been waiting to Wagner and boarding to Bach and Beethoven under a trial scheme.

For the public address system has been pumping out the strains of classical and opera music in what has been a radical departure from the normal PA timetable and staff messages. Transport bosses took on board the pilot initiative to try to create a soothing atmosphere at the Interchange.

Whether the highbrow music is also designed to drive away potential troublemakers without an ear for the classics is something Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) chiefs refuse to be drawn on.

Similar schemes have been tried elsewhere in the UK, particularly at shopping centres where young troublemakers tend to gather. And it seems that instead of putting up with the likes of opera and classical music, the music literally moves them away from its source.

Bury Interchange is the first bus station within the GMPTE to undergo such a trial, which has now finished. The results will be assessed to determine whether local "culture vultures" can return to the Interchange for yet more musical entertainment.

A GMPTE spokesman said: "In an attempt to add to and improve the atmosphere of Bury Interchange, bus station supervisors recently conducted a pilot scheme whereby classical and opera music was played over the public address system.

"The trial has now come to an end and we are currently examining the results and feedback we have received from members of the public."

However, the spokesman declined to say whether one aim of the scheme was to discourage potential troublemakers from hanging around the Interchange.