A LATE night bus service linking Leigh, Tyldesley, Atherton and Manchester has been given a massive boost.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority's weekend bus experiment, originally provided for just two late night number 39 journeys from Manchester to Tyldesley, Atherton and Leigh, has been upgraded to a fully comprehensive service in each direction.

There are now six half-hourly departures from Manchester Piccadilly between 12.30am and 3.30am and return departures from Leigh Bus Station at 1.30am, 2am and 2.30am.

But the new services are on trial until mid February and travellers are urged to make full use of them if they want to keep them.

Tyldesley-based Wigan councillor and GMPTA member, Steve Hellier, said: "Cost considerations, because of the distance from Manchester, meant when the project was first set up, the service to Leigh was minimal.

"I felt people in this area should be given a fair chance to show their support for late night buses and asked for this enhancement. I am delighted with what is now on offer.

"The advantages for those wishing to return from Manchester at the end of a night out are obvious.

"These services make it more feasible for local people to seek employment in the booming city centre. Also students who live at home may find it easier to engage in a full college social life.

"I hope night buses will also help cut drinking and driving in the festive season."

"This extended service is a special heavily-subsidised 'trial within a trial' for the Leigh area which will end in mid February unless its commercial viability can be proved to the bus operators. Personal safety and security issues have been given a high priority and I hope local people will see this as an excellent opportunity. However, I cannot stress enough this really is a case of "use it or lose it".