THE area's biggest bus operator, First Manchester, has announced extensive service changes, but Leigh escapes lightly.

The 9am Monday to Friday no 34 Lowton to Manchester via Leigh will operate 30 minutes later at 9.30am from February 25th.

The No 35 Leigh-Manchester journey from Swinton will now start from Four Lane Ends at 0511 operating as service 37.

The company's commercial director, Russell Gard, said: "Many passengers will benefit significantly, although it is inevitable that in order to improve busy services some with very low usage will suffer.

"In as many cases as possible services have been rerouted to fill any gaps and few people will be inconvenienced."

A series of six guides, including one for Bolton, which covers the Leigh area, are available on buses and from local travel shops.