FURIOUS residents say changes to busway plans would ruin their view.

People in Chester Road, Tyldesley are upset about amended plans for the proposed Leigh-Manchester guided route.

The modifications would raise the level of the busway in front of their homes which they claim would then spoil their commanding outlook over Chat Moss and Cheshire.

Three changes to the route proposals have been drawn up for the scheme which would be up and running in 2005 if a public inquiry later this year rules in Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive's favour.

The alterations will be revealed fully to the public at displays in Leigh, Tyldesley and Boothstown.

Protesters' spokesman Kenny Swanton told the Journal: "I've always gone along with the busway plan -- I think it would be a good thing.

"But most people in Chester Road bought their houses because they like where they live -- the view is the best in Tyldesley, we'd like to keep it that way.

"The original plan was to open up the cutting which was filled in at Parr Bridge after the railway was closed. The busway would then have gone straight through towards Manchester but now they want to raise the level of the line so they can have a junction controlled with traffic lights at the bridge.

"We'd rather have the original idea. Six locals were sent letters telling us about the changes and we were given 14 days to reply."

A spokesman for GMPTE said although the changes had been made following extensive consultation further public reaction would be noted and the alterations reviewed.

And before the outcry GMPTE Integration Project Co-ordinator Bill Tyson had said: "It is always possible the plans could be slightly modified -- that is what consultation is for! We are trying to refine and improve the scheme."

He outlined the changes which are all in Tyldesley: a town centre park and ride facility on the north west side of the route basically between Wareing Street and Astley Street; park and ride facilities at the rear of Manchester Road, Tyldesley with the high level busway cutting Hough Lane at the existing road level and the new bus stops and raised road level creating a junction at Sale Lane, which has brought the latest outcry.

Mr Tyson said the Government had last month provisionally given the green light for GMPTE to apply for powers to construct the scheme after it accepted an appraisal of the route as being good value for money. The first public meeting about the busway was held in the summer of 1998, now a public inquiry in to the matter is expected to begin before the end of the year with a decision by the end of 2002.

Mr Tyson explained: "If permission is granted tenders would then have to go out and the busway would take 18 months to two years to construct. Work would be carried out with the minimum of disruption to people and the route would hopefully be in operation in 2005."

Constantly searching for improvement transport chiefs have remain open minded at this stage as to what type of bus will use the route if it goes ahead.

Electric or gas powered single deckers could be selected to run the guided way and "bendy" 65 seater vehicles might also be employed.

Mr Tyson, reflecting on a Friday morning journey from Manchester by Leigh by public transport which took him one hour 20 minutes, added: "It could be anything -- whatever is selected will be environmentally efficient, comfortable, reliable and safe."

The busway is being developed through a partnership between GMPTE, Salford and Wigan Councils and the Highways Agency.

Information on the modifications can be viewed on: April 9 at Leigh Library (2.30-6), April 10 at Tyldesley Library (2-5) and April 17 at Boothstown Library/Community Centre.