A PUBLIC inquiry into plans for a Leigh guided busway starts soon.

Following the visit of a government appointed inquiry inspector to Tyldesley to meet with Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive and local people, a date has been set for September 10.

Arguments for and against the plan will be put forward in the Top Chapel, Elliott Street, and could last for up to five weeks.

Transport bosses will put their case for the innovative proposals for the busway, which, if given the go-ahead, will run from Leigh to Ellenbrook and form part of plans for a Quality Bus Corridor linking Leigh, Tyldesley, Salford and Manchester City Centre.

The corridor they say has been designed to improve all aspects of the bus journey in order to create a comfortable, reliable and easy to use alternative to the car.

The application for the busway is being progressed by GMPTE as the developers and promoters of the scheme, with the backing of Wigan and Salford Councils and the Highways Agency.

Bill Tyson, chairman and managing director of Transport management Group Ltd, who will be acting on GMPTE's behalf during the inquiry said: "We believe that the Quality Bus Corridor has a great deal to offer for local communities along the route.

Reliable link

"As well as providing a fast and reliable link from Leigh to Manchester, local bus services in Tyldesley and Ellenbrook will be greatly improved.

"Research shows that there would be an increase in economic activity in areas along the corridor due to faster and easier access to a variety of job opportunities for those who live there."

The Guided busway would be about 7km long, running along the former rail route between Leigh and Ellenbrook with a spur to serve Higher Folds.

Buses will run along a segregated guideway but will also be able to run along normal roads to take advantage of bus priority measures and so bypass congestion.

Helped by traffic signal technology they would give a faster journey in peak hour traffic and new bridges would cross Lilford Park Brook and City Road while other roads would be crossed on the level at new traffic controlled junctions.

The scheme also includes plans to improve recreational facilities along the route.

Speaking about the environmental effects of the proposals, Mr Tyson said: "It is GMPTE's intention to provide a combined walkway and cycleway next to the whole length of the proposed busway - in some sections this will be suitable for horse riding."