IMPROVED security at Bolton's two bus stations has been welcomed by the travelling public.

As reported on Monday, the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive is investing £30,000 in a new CCTV security camera system.

The cameras will be linked to the Bolton Town Hall town centre monitoring system, meaning the bus stations at Moor Lane and Trinity Street rail station will be under constant surveillance.

People using the Moor Lane station said they would be delighted by anything that made them feel safer while waiting for buses, particularly at night.

Nancy Holmes, from Daubhill, said: "The extra security will make such a difference to the bus station. The clearer signing and better lighting have already made a big difference, but the cameras will make it more user-friendly for people wanting to travel after dark."

Kayleigh Bartlett, a Bolton resident, uses the bus station regularly at night. She said: "It would help if the services were more frequent. Waiting 30 minutes for a bus in a dark, deserted bus station is not something I feel safe doing. Extra cameras would make the station a much safer place."

Ayesha Badat, from Daubhill, would use the bus station more if the security was better. She said: "My daughter and I use the buses throughout the day without any worries, but I make sure my husband picks us up in his car if we're out after dark. The cameras would make a difference, but what we really need is people on the ground."

Grace Harden, a Londoner who has lived in Bolton for the last two years, said: "I catch the bus regularly after 9pm and I feel very vulnerable.

"The station is so quiet then and I'm sure that better security would increase the number of people who use it after dark."

Carl Smith, a bus driver from Morris Green, said: "I don't believe the cameras are necessary. I have driven buses at night in most towns and cities in the North-west and Bolton does not have the security problems of inner city stations such as Manchester. It is always busy and you're never far from other people."

Great Lever resident Mr Graham said: "I avoid any alleyways or deserted area at night. Extra cameras would make a big difference to my peace of mind when waiting for a bus."