A BUSWAY plan for an old rail route would be a national first.

The congestion free buses only route from Leigh through Tyldesley to Ellenbrook would feature guided buses - the longest busway planned in Britain.

The driver would be in charge of stopping, starting and controlling speed but the environmentally and wheelchair friendly buses would be steered automatically like a train or tram.

Transport planners in conjunction with Wigan and Salford Councils want to convert part of the old Leigh-Tyldesley-Manchester rail route to a guided busway between Leigh and Ellenbrook.

GMPTA chairman and Atherton Cllr Joe Clarke reckons the busway proposals are what local travellers need.

But he promised:"We will only go ahead with the scheme when local people have been fully involved in its planning."

His vice-chairman Cllr Guy Harkin explained how increasing traffic congestion had led to the proposals.

"Journey times from Boothstown to central Manchester in the morning rush hour have increased and pollution and noise have also got a lot worse.

"Clearly this cannot go on. The Authority knows from experience people will choose to leave their cars at home if reliable, high quality, frequent public transport alternatives are available."

Wigan Council Leader Cllr Peter Smith, said:"The guided busway represents an exciting and affordable development in public transport which will help cut journey times and encourage more people to use it.

"The scheme fits into the government's overall transport strategy and will be a great environmental improvement. This council, fully supports the project."

A six weeks public consultation exercise begins on Monday.

Public meetings will be held, all at 7pm, on

Wednesday June 17 at Leigh Library

Thursday, June 25 at St George's Central CE School, Tyldesley

Thursday, July 2 at Fourways Assessment Unit, Cleworth Hall Lane, Tyldesley.

An exhibition bus will visit Leigh on Saturdays, June 13 and 20 (10-4) Spinning Gate car park and Saturday, June 27 (10-4) Leigh Library car park; Tyldesley - Friday, June 19 (10-4) Blossom Street car park, Thursday, June 25 (4-6.45) St George's Central CE School and Saturday, July 4 (10-4) Blossom Street car park.

Further information from GMPTE's hotline on 0161 242 6777 (8.30am-5pm).

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