OPPONENTS of Leigh's guided busway plan are mustering forces to fight the scheme.

The Busway-Noway campaign is gathering pace with the announcement of two public meetings in Leigh and Tyldesley next month.

They will be at Leigh Harriers' Charles Street club on October 2 and Gin Pit Social Club on the 3rd, both starting at 7.30pm.

The crusade is supported by the Campaign for Planning Sanity and is opposed to the construction of the proposed busway between Leigh and Newearth Road, Ellenbrook.

Campaigners accept that an improved transport link between Leigh and Manchester is needed, but contend that there is less expensive and more effective alternatives that would inflict significantly less harm on the environment and local area.

Leader of the battle against Leigh's planned multi-million pounds snowslope, Xanadu, which was quashed by the government recently, Chris Maile, said: "Much of the proposed route is teeming with wildlife, including great crested newts, bats and a variety of bird species, all of which would find their natural habitat destroyed if the busway were to go ahead in its current form."

The two meeting will provide residents and interested parties with information on the aims and activities of the Busway-Noway campaign, as well as giving everyone a chance to air their views and ask questions.

For more information, or to become a group volunteer, call the helpline on 0161 959 0999.