I CAN'T understand how the Busway proposals have come to life again after the resounding thumbs-down the project was given last August.

After last year's supposed consultation meetings with GMPTE, public opinion was very strongly against the destruction of seven miles of countryside and natural walkways for what was seen to be a 'white elephant' and a cheap alternative.

The realistic proposals which were put forward at the meetings have been totally ignored.

Some alternative suggestions were:

Route the busway down the centre of the East Lancs Road from either Lane Head or the Greyhound roundabout

A railway station at Leigh to link with the existing line at Kenyon

A railway station at Mort Lane, Tyldesley with a park and ride facility on the existing Wigan/Manchester line

Extend the Metrolink from Eccles to Leigh, allowing for future links to Wigan, Warrington, St Helens, Bolton etc.

Make the existing Manchester bus services from Leigh via Atherton/Tyldesley and Leigh via Astley/Boothstown user friendly, i.e. reliable and cheap

It would appear from the latest plans issued by GMPTE that nothing has changed from the original proposals which were given a massive 'no vote'.

The series of meetings are just designed to pay 'lip service' to the travelling public and the proposed scheme will go ahead anyway - despite public opinion.

Just another case of authority saying 'tell us what you want' and we'll do what WE want.

Pat Lummis

Wareing Street

Tyldesley

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.