Pressure groups fear travel chaos

Community groups in the Worsley area want a Government inquiry in to the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority's proposed Leigh Guided Busway route.

They have lobbied Salford City councillors in a bid to get them to oppose the Busway plans when they meet this afternoon in Swinton.

"Local communities are united in opposing the devastation of their area which will be caused by the introduction of the Leigh Guided Busway," says Adrian Dunning, spokesman for six community groups in the Worsley area.

"Residents fear their locality will become totally grid-locked with no bus services for them."

Mr Dunning represents Boothstown Residents' Association, Moorside South Resident's Association, Worsley Civic Trust, Mesne Lea Park Residents' Action Group, Roe Green branch of Worsley Civic Trust and Worsley Village Community Association.

They fear Salford will rubber stamp the busway plan which is earmarked for the old Leigh-Tyldesley-Ellenbrook railway line and would join the A580 East Lancashire Road and run in to Manchester city centre.

Mr Dunning added: "The scheme will have to go to public inquiry for the section within Wigan, we want the Government to hold a public inquiry in to the whole route.

"We believe Salford City Council has not fully investigated all aspects of the busway proposal. Councillors from all parties have personally voiced concerns about this scheme.

"We believe it represents a significant dis-benefit to communities bordering the East Lancashire Road.

"Consultants say there may be a detrimental effect on existing bus services and predict traffic queues will extend further."

Protesters claim new bus lanes will reduce footways and cycleways and bus lanes would effectively restrict traffic flow on the dual carriageway.

And they fear isolated bus stops and the siting of the proposed park and ride car park could pose dangers to women, older people and children.

The Busway scheme would cost an estimated £25 million.